SF738

SF738 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Innovation zone provisions modification

AI Generated Summary

Senate SF No. 738 is a legislative bill that aims to enhance educational innovation in Minnesota. It proposes changes in how educational programs like PTECH schools are approved and provides for the reorganization and recodification of laws related to educational innovation. Additionally, the bill encourages school districts to offer a wider range of experiential and applied learning opportunities, aiming to align these with career and college readiness standards.

Key points include: 1. Expansion and modification of the types of programs districts can offer, such as magnet and work-based schools, to provide diverse learning environments and meet various educational standards. 2. Simplification of the application and approval processes for PTECH schools and innovation research zones, fostering collaborations between schools, higher education institutions, and businesses. 3. Empowering districts to design their educational programs without needing state approval, although they still must meet basic accountability standards. 4. Creation of innovation research zones where partners can experiment with new educational programs and models that address 21st-century learning needs.

The bill also outlines the roles, responsibilities, and evaluation methods for these educational innovations, promoting flexibility and local control while ensuring that individual and systemic educational outcomes are enhanced.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
January 26, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
January 26, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Education Policy

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Encouragement for school districts to provide a variety of learning programs."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "N/A"
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies experiential and applied learning opportunities for students under section 124D.085.",
      "modified": [
        "Requirements for districts in adopting and reviewing plans for learning programs."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "124D.085"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "The need for a written agreement between school, higher education institution, and business partner."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "N/A"
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the application and board approval process for PTECH schools under section 124D.093, subdivision 3.",
      "modified": [
        "Details on the information required in the application process for PTECH designation."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "124D.093, subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Conditions for ensuring equitable geographic distribution of PTECH schools."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "N/A"
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the grant approval process for PTECH schools under section 124D.093, subdivision 4.",
      "modified": [
        "Authority of the commissioner in application approvals and denial limitations."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "124D.093, subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Opportunities for students to participate in career and industrial certification programs while meeting graduation requirements."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "N/A"
      ],
      "summary": "The bill references high school graduation requirements in section 120B.02, subdivision 2, when discussing granting diplomas in the context of innovation zones.",
      "modified": [
        "Maintains traditional graduation requirements while allowing integration with advanced courses and certifications."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "120B.02, subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Exemptions allow schools to offer online courses with direct teacher access."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "N/A"
      ],
      "summary": "The bill references online learning program approval under section 124D.095, subdivision 7, regarding exemptions in innovation zones.",
      "modified": [
        "Approval process for online learning as integrated with traditional teaching methods."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "124D.095, subdivision 7"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Provides exemption for using extended time revenue in innovative educational settings."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "N/A"
      ],
      "summary": "The bill references extended time revenue restrictions under section 126C.10, subdivision 2a, in the context of innovation zone exemptions.",
      "modified": [
        "Criteria adaptations for students engaged in innovation zone activities."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "126C.10, subdivision 2a"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Exemptions associated with alternative learning revenue for qualifying students."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "N/A"
      ],
      "summary": "The bill references alternative learning criteria under section 124D.68, subdivision 2.",
      "modified": [
        "Further integration of alternative learning with mainstream educational structures."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "124D.68, subdivision 2"
  }
]