This bill (S.F. No. 2118) relates to education finance in Minnesota and proposes a grant for economic and financial literacy education, as well as professional development activities for teachers.

Key Provisions:

1. Grant Purpose & Administration:

   • The Minnesota Council on Economic Education (MCEE) will provide professional development activities for K-12 teachers in economic and financial education.
   • The grant will be used to:
     • Support curriculum development for teachers implementing state standards.
     • Provide resources for grades 9-12 teachers teaching personal finance and consumer protection.
     • Support student-focused economic and personal finance programs.
     • Conduct research on the effectiveness of economic and financial literacy education.
     • Support faculty and university centers engaged in economic and financial literacy activities.

2. Reporting Requirements:

   • MCEE must provide two reports to the Commissioner of Education each year:
     • A mid-year report by February 15.
     • A year-end report by August 15.
   • Reports must include details on:
     • Number, type, and location of teacher professional development programs.
     • The number of teachers trained.
     • Evaluations of teacher and student programs.
     • Research findings related to economic and financial education.

3. Grant Payment Schedule:

   • The Department of Education will disburse funds in two payments:
     • 50% by August 15 of each fiscal year.
     • 50% by February 15 of the same fiscal year.
   • MCEE must submit financial reports, and additional data may be requested by the Commissioner.

4. Appropriation:

   • $800,000 per year (from the general fund) will be allocated to MCEE for economic education and teacher training programs.

This bill supports the enhancement of economic and financial literacy education in Minnesota schools by funding teacher training, curriculum resources, and research on program effectiveness.