HF1607

This bill (H.F. No. [number not specified]) modifies the instructional hours requirements for Minnesota schools by amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 120A.41. Key provisions include:

1. Instructional Hour Requirements:

   • Kindergarten: Minimum of 425 hours per school year.
   • Full-day kindergarten: Minimum of 850 hours per school year.
   • Grades 1-6: Minimum of 935 hours per school year.
   • Grades 7-12: Minimum of 1,020 hours per school year.
   • Pre-kindergarten (if offered): Minimum of 350 hours per school year.
   • Grades 1-11: School year must include at least 165 instructional days, unless a four-day week schedule is approved.

2. Online Instruction for Inclement Weather:

   • School boards may include plans for up to five days of online instruction due to bad weather conditions.

3. Definition of Instructional Hours in Secondary Schools:

   • Must include educational experiences allowing students to earn academic credit.
   • Must be available to all enrolled students.
   • Must be supervised, coordinated, and verified by a qualified teacher.

4. Flexibility in Learning Experiences:

   • Educational experiences can be part of any approved secondary school course.
   • Instruction can occur outside the regular school day/week but must be within the school year.
   • Districts cannot deny students access to services required by state or federal law, including special education.

5. Oversight & Compliance:

   • The Department of Education must review and update policies to ensure districts are not restricted from providing flexible educational opportunities.
   • The bill does not modify funding formulas for student enrollment (pupil units) under chapter 126C.

This bill aims to ensure sufficient instructional time for students while allowing flexibility for modern learning approaches.