SF3061

Purpose of the Bill

The proposed legislation aims to modify teacher licensure requirements related to literacy instruction in Minnesota. It emphasizes the implementation of evidence-based practices in reading instruction and the need for teacher training to improve literacy rates, ensuring that all children read at or above their grade level.

Main Provisions

• Local Literacy Plans: School districts must adopt and update annual literacy plans to ensure every child reads proficiently. These plans must include assessment processes, parental involvement strategies, targeted instruction methods, evidence-based interventions, and teacher training needs.
• Teacher Professional Development: Mandates districts to provide structured literacy training from approved programs to various educators by specific deadlines, ensuring effective reading instruction.
• Teacher Licensure Renewal: Starting in 2025, teachers responsible for reading instruction must have participated in or completed evidence-based literacy training to renew their licenses, with specific requirements for different licensure tiers.
• Curriculum Review Cycle: Every five years, the Department of Education must review and adapt curricular materials to ensure alignment with evidence-based structured literacy practices.
• Reduced Instructional Hours: Temporarily reduces required instructional hours to allow teachers time for mandated literacy training.
• State Reporting: The Commissioner of Education must report on the implementation and effectiveness of local literacy plans and training every few years, providing insights into student and teacher progress.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill introduces stricter requirements for literacy assessment, intervention, and curriculum alignment in Minnesota schools.
• It sets specific training and renewal expectations for teachers at all licensure tiers, linking structured literacy training to license renewals.
• The bill modifies the conditions under which instructional hours can be adjusted for teacher training purposes.

Relevant Terms

structured literacy, evidence-based reading instruction, teacher licensure, literacy intervention, curriculum alignment, local literacy plan, multilingual learners, dyslexia support, professional development, MTSS framework