Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to modify the existing literacy incentive aid program in Minnesota by establishing new eligible uses for literacy aid, and providing additional funding to support literacy efforts in schools. It is designed to enhance reading instruction and outcomes for students, particularly those in early grades and students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Main Provisions

• Literacy Incentive Aid: The bill defines literacy incentive aid as a sum of different types of aid, including proficiency aid, growth aid, basic literacy aid, English learner literacy aid, and targeted literacy aid.

• Proficiency and Growth Aid: Schools will receive proficiency aid based on the number of third-grade students meeting or exceeding standards on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments. Growth aid is based on the progress of fourth-grade students.

• Eligible Uses: Literacy incentive aid must be used for evidence-based reading instruction and activities that support local literacy plans. Eligible uses include:

  1. Training for various educators and staff on using evidence-based tools.
  2. Evidence-based training programs approved under the Read Act.
  3. Employment of literacy leads and intervention specialists.
  4. Purchase of approved screening tools and materials.
  5. Coverage of substitute teacher costs for training days.
  6. Teacher stipends for completing required training.

• Basic Literacy Aid: This is calculated based on the district’s adjusted average daily membership for grades K-4.

• English Learner Literacy Aid: This aid focuses on districts with a high concentration of English learners, calculated similarly to basic literacy aid but includes an English learner concentration factor.

• Targeted Literacy Aid: Aimed at districts with higher poverty levels, this aid uses a poverty concentration factor to determine funding levels.

• Free and Reduced-Price Meals Eligibility: The bill outlines criteria for determining eligibility for free or reduced-price meals, which is used to calculate certain aid amounts.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill introduces broader eligible uses for literacy aid, emphasizing evidence-based approaches and structured training programs.
• It formalizes calculations and factors like English learner and poverty concentration factors for determining the amount of aid.
• Additional types of literacy aid such as English learner and targeted literacy aid are introduced to address specific needs in districts.

Relevant Terms

literacy incentive aid, proficiency aid, growth aid, basic literacy aid, English learner literacy aid, targeted literacy aid, evidence-based reading instruction, local literacy plan, Read Act, literacy lead, intervention specialist, free and reduced-price meals eligibility, English learner concentration factor, poverty concentration factor.