HF2864

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to modify teacher licensure requirements relating to reading instruction in Minnesota. It seeks to ensure that educators are adequately trained in evidence-based reading strategies to improve literacy levels among students, in line with the Read Act.

Main Provisions

• Local Literacy Plans: School districts must develop and submit annual literacy plans to improve reading levels among students, particularly multilingual learners and those receiving special education services. These plans must include assessment processes, parental involvement strategies, and details about teacher training.
• Professional Development for Teachers: Districts are required to provide approved evidence-based training to teachers across various grade levels, focusing on reading intervention and structured literacy.
• Training Timeline: Training for teachers and staff involved in reading instruction must be completed by set deadlines, with an option for deadline extensions if necessary.
• Teacher Licensure Renewal: Starting in July 2025, teachers renewing their licenses must show completion of structured literacy training that aligns with state-approved criteria.
• Curriculum Review Cycle: The bill establishes a cycle for curriculum review to ensure alignment with evidence-based structured literacy practices and allows for the addition of new programs that meet literacy standards.
• Tiered Licensing Requirements: Specific structured literacy training is required for licensing renewal across various tiers of teacher licenses, beginning from Tier 1 up to Tier 3.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Training and Licensure Requirements: Introduces mandatory literacy training for license renewal, emphasizing structured literacy components for early learning, elementary, and special education teachers.
• Reduced Instructional Hours: Allows districts to negotiate reduced instructional hours for students to provide teachers additional time for evidence-based training.
• Literacy Training as a Criteria for Licensure: Explicitly ties evidence-based literacy training completion to the renewal and progression of teacher licensure tiers.
• Alignment with Read Act: Ensures district educational resources and training practices align with the Read Act’s requirements and evidence-based methodologies.

Relevant Terms

• Teacher Licensure
• Evidence-based Training
• Read Act
• Structured Literacy
• Professional Development
• Curriculum Review
• Literacy Instruction
• Multilingual Learners
• Special Education