This bill, H.F. No. 1493, authored by Bennett in the Minnesota House of Representatives, proposes amendments to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 120B.307, subdivision 4, to clarify and enhance student career and college readiness provisions.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

1. Career Exploration Requirements:

   • Schools and districts must annually assist students (starting no later than grade 9) and their families in planning postsecondary education or career paths based on students’ interests, aptitudes, and aspirations.
     
   • Schools must use regional labor market data and partnerships to help students develop, pursue, review, and revise individualized postsecondary or career plans.
   • The process aims to increase student engagement, improve academic skills, and deepen understanding of career pathways leading to industry-recognized credentials or degrees.

2. Academic Readiness Benchmarking:

   • A student who meets state academic standards and career/college readiness benchmarks based on high school assessments is considered academically ready for college or career.
     
   • Ready students are encouraged to enroll in courses awarding college credit, including technical skill assessments and career area courses.

3. Defining Success and Targeted Interventions:

   • Schools, districts, and the state must develop a continuum of clear, evidence-based benchmarks aligning with postsecondary admissions requirements.
     
   • The Minnesota Commissioner of Education, in consultation with educators and state postsecondary institutions, must help define the knowledge and skills essential for postsecondary success.
   • The system should include targeted interventions to help students avoid remedial education when entering college or workforce training.

4. Transcript Updates:

   • Schools must record students’ progress toward career and college readiness on their high school transcripts starting with students who were in 8th grade in the 2012-2013 school year (and for others as soon as practicable).

5. Recognition of High Achievement:

   • School boards may choose to add a special notation on high school diplomas for seniors who demonstrate exemplary academic achievement based on district-established criteria.

Overall Purpose:

The bill intends to enhance career readiness planning, improve alignment with labor market trends, and ensure students are prepared for postsecondary success without remediation. It also provides additional incentives for high-achieving students through transcript and diploma recognition.

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