SF3186

Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to modify the existing literacy incentive aid program in Minnesota to enhance literacy education by specifying new eligible uses for literacy aid and increasing the focus on English learners and students in poverty. It also provides funding for this enhanced literacy aid program.

Main Provisions

1. Literacy Incentive Aid: The bill restructures the literacy incentive aid to include four main components: proficiency aid, growth aid, basic literacy aid, English learner literacy aid, and targeted literacy aid.

2. Eligible Uses: School districts are required to utilize literacy incentive aid to support evidence-based reading instruction and meet local literacy plan goals. Eligible uses include:

   • Teacher training in evidence-based reading practices.
   • Employing literacy leaders and intervention specialists.
   • Procuring materials, training, and coaching to ensure effective reading interventions.
   • Covering costs for substitute teachers and stipends for teachers undergoing necessary training.

3. Proficiency and Growth Aid Calculation: These are based on the performance of third and fourth-grade students on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment, focusing on measurable standards of proficiency and growth.

4. Definitions and Factors:

   • English Learner Concentration Factor: Calculated based on the ratio of English learner students to total students in a district.
   • Poverty Concentration Factor: Calculated based on the ratio of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals in a district.

5. Targeted Literacy Aid: Designed to support districts with high rates of poverty, this aid takes into account the adjusted average daily membership for kindergarten through fourth grade.

6. Meal Eligibility: The bill provides guidance for determining eligibility for free and reduced-price meals, vital for calculating aid based on poverty concentration.

Significant Changes from Existing Law

• The bill amends the definition and calculation of literacy incentive aid to include specific components aimed at different student populations, such as English learners and students in poverty.
• It establishes specific allowable uses for literacy incentive aid, focusing on evidence-based instruction and training for teachers.
• Introduces new metrics for measuring and rewarding school districts based on student literacy growth and achievement.

Relevant Terms

• Literacy incentive aid
• English learner
• Proficiency aid
• Growth aid
• Evidence-based reading instruction
• Poverty concentration
• Free and reduced-price meals