SF738 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Innovation zone provisions modification
AI Generated Summary
Senate SF No. 738 is a legislative bill that aims to enhance educational innovation in Minnesota. It proposes changes in how educational programs like PTECH schools are approved and provides for the reorganization and recodification of laws related to educational innovation. Additionally, the bill encourages school districts to offer a wider range of experiential and applied learning opportunities, aiming to align these with career and college readiness standards.
Key points include: 1. Expansion and modification of the types of programs districts can offer, such as magnet and work-based schools, to provide diverse learning environments and meet various educational standards. 2. Simplification of the application and approval processes for PTECH schools and innovation research zones, fostering collaborations between schools, higher education institutions, and businesses. 3. Empowering districts to design their educational programs without needing state approval, although they still must meet basic accountability standards. 4. Creation of innovation research zones where partners can experiment with new educational programs and models that address 21st-century learning needs.
The bill also outlines the roles, responsibilities, and evaluation methods for these educational innovations, promoting flexibility and local control while ensuring that individual and systemic educational outcomes are enhanced.
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 26, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading | |
| January 26, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading | |
| January 26, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Referred to | Education Policy |
| January 26, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Referred to | Education Policy |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Encouragement for districts to provide programs such as magnet schools, language immersion, and Montessori schools."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "The bill amends educational opportunities to strengthen career and college-ready curriculum under section 124D.085.",
"modified": [
"Clarifies provisions for district cooperation and accountability measures for these programs."
]
},
"citation": "124D.085",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Requires information on proposed school design, facilities, budgets, enrollments, and qualifications for individuals employed in the PTECH school."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Amendments to the PTECH approval process under subdivision 3 of section 124D.093.",
"modified": [
"Specifies written agreement requirements between school, higher education institution, and business partner."
]
},
"citation": "124D.093",
"subdivision": "subdivision 3"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Provision for an advisory committee to recommend approvals."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Amended guidelines for the grant approval process of PTECH schools under subdivision 4 of section 124D.093.",
"modified": [
"Clarifies the commissioner's authority over application approvals and requires equitable geographic distribution of schools."
]
},
"citation": "124D.093",
"subdivision": "subdivision 4"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "The bill refers to educational innovation research with reference to Minnesota Statutes section 120B.11.",
"modified": [
"Aims to align innovation zone research with the world's best workforce comprehensive achievement and civic readiness requirements."
]
},
"citation": "120B.11",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "The bill provides exemptions for innovation zone plans regarding extended time revenue under section 126C.10, subdivision 2a.",
"modified": [
"Allows for exemptions to accommodate students meeting competencies consistent with graduation standards."
]
},
"citation": "126C.10",
"subdivision": "subdivision 2a"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "The bill references online learning program approvals as per section 124D.095, subdivision 7.",
"modified": [
"Exempts innovation zones from program approval if they offer an online component combined with direct teacher access."
]
},
"citation": "124D.095",
"subdivision": "subdivision 7"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "References regarding criteria for extended time revenue withdrawal under section 124D.68, subdivision 2.",
"modified": [
"Clarifies criteria adjustments for revenue use in innovation zone plans."
]
},
"citation": "124D.68",
"subdivision": "subdivision 2"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Provides details for granting high school diplomas meeting graduation requirements under section 120B.02, subdivision 2.",
"modified": [
"Incorporates opportunities for postsecondary credits and various certification programs."
]
},
"citation": "120B.02",
"subdivision": "subdivision 2"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Part of reorganization and renumbering related to Education Innovation.",
"modified": [
"Renumbered from original statute location."
]
},
"citation": "124D.50",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Exemptions relating to state education laws for site-governed schools under 123B.045.",
"modified": [
"Specifies exemptions applicable to site-governed schools in innovation zones."
]
},
"citation": "123B.045",
"subdivision": ""
}
]