HF4646

Purpose

• Create a voluntary state statistics literacy seal to recognize high school graduates who demonstrate proficiency in statistics and data interpretation.

Key eligibility and requirements for students

• A student is eligible if they demonstrate proficiency in statistics and data interpretation by achieving a qualifying score on an assessment selected by their enrolling district or school and meet all required statistics-related standards or credit requirements.
• Districts and charter schools must keep records to identify eligible students, note the seal on the student’s transcript, and may affix the seal to the student’s diploma.
• No fees may be charged to the student for receiving the seal.

Assessment framework and options

• By August 1, 2027, the commissioner of education must identify assessments that align with the Guidelines for Assessment and Instruction in Statistics Education II (GAISE II) to determine proficiency and levels of proficiency.
• Districts and charter schools are not required to use an assessment identified by the commissioner; they may use assessments aligned with the guidelines or other approved options.

Postsecondary credit opportunities

• By August 1, 2028, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system must establish criteria to translate the statistics literacy seal into college credits.
• Upon request, a student who earned the seal and is enrolled in a Minnesota State college or university may be awarded college credits in statistics.
• Students who earned the seal in grades 10, 11, or 12 must request college credits within three academic years after high school graduation.
• The University of Minnesota is encouraged to award statistics credits consistent with this subdivision.

Implementation and scope

• The seal applies to graduating students in any school district, charter school, or nonpublic school.
• The bill specifies recordkeeping, transcript notation, and the potential to place the seal on a diploma, reinforcing formal recognition without imposing charges on students.

Summary of impact

• Establishes a framework for recognizing statistics literacy at high school graduation.
• Creates a pathway for college credit in statistics, contingent on later criteria and student initiative.
• Encourages alignment with national statistics education guidelines (GAISE II) and coordination with state higher education institutions.

Relevant Terms - statistics literacy seal - proficiency in statistics - data interpretation - assessment (GAISE II alignment) - Guidelines for Assessment and Instruction in Statistics Education II (GAISE II) - transcript notation - diploma seal - voluntary credential - district or charter school assessment - Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system - college credits in statistics - University of Minnesota (encouraged to award credits) - three academic year deadline for credit requests - nonpublic school - fee prohibition for the seal