This legislative bill aims to create an academic acceleration pilot program in Minnesota. This program will be implemented in six school districts or charter schools during the 2026-2027 to 2028-2029 school years. The main goals of the program are to increase access to advanced courses such as Advanced Placement (AP), honors, and dual enrollment courses in key subjects like language arts, mathematics, and science.

Key features of the bill include: 1. Automatic Enrollment: Students who meet certain criteria based on their performance in State assessments or previous coursework will be automatically enrolled in advanced courses. Parents have the option to opt their children out if they choose.

1. Teacher Recruitment and Support: The program emphasizes recruiting teachers of color and providing necessary training or graduate credits to teach advanced coursework without cost to them.

2. Communication and Support: Schools must inform parents at least two weeks before school starts if their child is automatically enrolled in an advanced course. They also need to provide tutoring and other academic supports for students struggling with advanced coursework.

3. Data Collection and Reporting: Schools must collect and submit data on student participation and performance in advanced courses, which is to be disaggregated by various demographics such as race, ethnicity, and socio-economic status.

4. Funding: The bill proposes the use of state grant funds to cover expenses like AP exam fees, training for teachers, purchasing textbooks, providing tutoring, and administrative costs. There is also a provision for bonuses for teachers based on student performance in AP exams.

5. Evaluation and Expansion: By January 1, 2030, a detailed report evaluating the program will be submitted. This report will also include recommendations on possibly implementing a statewide academic acceleration policy based on the findings from the pilot program.

Overall, the bill is designed to create more educational opportunities for students in Minnesota through increased access to advanced coursework, with a focus on equity and support for both students and teachers.