HF1171

Purpose

• The bill changes the mission and funding of the Minnesota math corps program to provide a data-based, problem-solving approach to mathematics instruction. It aims to support elementary and middle school students and their teachers with instructional help, using AmeriCorps members who work with ServeMinnesota.

Main Provisions

• Minnesota math corps program
  • Establishes and uses a data-based problem-solving model of mathematics instruction.
  • The program provides instructional support to elementary and middle school students and their teachers.
  • The instruction and materials must be evidence-based to help students build foundational mathematics skills and meet state standards, with an eye toward long-term workforce readiness.
• Evidence-based instruction
  • Defines evidence-based as instruction or curriculum based on reliable, trustworthy, and valid evidence and with a proven record of increasing student math competency and numeracy.
• Accountability and reporting
  • The commission must submit a biennial report to the legislature’s K-12 education committees detailing program data and evaluating the program’s efficacy under this subdivision.
• Legal basis
  • The changes apply to the Minnesota math corps program as described in Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.42, subdivision 9.
• Effective date
  • The section becomes effective on July 1, 2025.

Funding and Implementation

• Appropriations
  • The bill authorizes general fund appropriations to the Department of Education for the Minnesota math corps program under the referenced statute. Specific dollar amounts are included in the bill text.
  • Any balance remaining in fiscal year 2026 may be used in fiscal year 2027.
• Department administration
  • The Department of Education administers the appropriations and oversees the math corps program consistent with the bill.

Significance and Changes from Current Law

• Purpose and scope expanded
  • The bill explicitly centers the program on a data-based, problem-solving approach and on providing evidence-based instructional support to improve foundational math skills.
• Increased accountability
  • Adds a required biennial legislative report evaluating program effectiveness.
• Funding structure
  • Establishes dedicated general fund appropriations for the program with carryover provisions to future fiscal years.

Relevant date references - Effective date: July 1, 2025. - Biennial reporting to legislature on K-12 education committees. - Carryover provision: any remaining balance in 2026 may be used in 2027.

Relevant terms - Minnesota math corps program - data-based problem-solving model - mathematics instruction - elementary and middle school students - instructional support - evidence-based instructional support - foundational mathematics skills - state academic standards in mathematics - workforce readiness / long-term workforce proficiency - ServeMinnesota AmeriCorps - commission - biennial report - reliability / trustworthiness / validity (evidence-based) - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 124D.42 subdivision 9 - effective date (July 1, 2025) - general fund appropriation - Department of Education - fiscal year carryover (2026 to 2027)