This bill, Minnesota Senate File No. 2027, aims to improve early childhood literacy by establishing kindergarten entry assessments and early childhood literacy pilot programs.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

1. Kindergarten Entry Assessment (Amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024, Section 124D.162)

• Requires the Commissioner of Education to implement kindergarten entry assessments to evaluate how many kindergartners meet or exceed pre-kindergarten early learning standards.
• School districts and charter schools must select an assessment tool from a state-approved list.
• The selected tools must:
  • Align with state early childhood indicators and kindergarten standards.
  • Support achievement and civic readiness goals.
  • Include input from teachers, early learning professionals, and families.
  • Align with existing educational screening tools.
• The state will provide technical assistance and professional development to schools.
• Results must be reported annually to the state and will be included in broader education performance reports.
• Full implementation of the assessment requirement will begin in the 2026-2027 school year.

2. Early Childhood Literacy Pilot Programs

• Expert Panel: The Commissioner of Education will convene a panel of national and state literacy experts, early educators, and researchers.
  • They will review research and select structured literacy practices to test in pilot programs.
  • Areas of focus include family engagement, curricula, professional development, instructional practices, and assessments.
• Pilot Programs:
  • Will be implemented as funds allow.
  • Will be tested in different early learning settings, including public pre-K, Head Start, licensed childcare, and home environments.
• Evaluation:
  • The Commissioner must contract an independent research organization to assess the programs.
  • Children’s literacy outcomes will be measured using validated assessments.
• Annual Public Reviews:
  • The Commissioner will organize public meetings to review the pilots' impact and discuss improvements.
  • Meetings will include legislators, expert panelists, pilot participants, and evaluators.
• Final Recommendations (Due by February 1, 2029):
  • The Commissioner will report to the legislature with recommendations for scaling successful strategies.

3. Funding

• $3.5 million is appropriated from the general fund to implement and evaluate the pilot programs.
• The funding is one-time and available until June 30, 2029.

In summary, the bill enhances early childhood literacy efforts in Minnesota by establishing statewide kindergarten entry assessments, funding pilot programs to test structured literacy approaches, and requiring evaluations to guide future literacy initiatives.