Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF3661

Introduced
2/15/24  

Caption

LEAPS Act modifications; English language learners provisions modifications

Impact

The proposed modifications under SF3661 could lead to significant changes in state education policies, particularly those that relate to funding, resources, and instructional methods for English language learners. By recalibrating how schools identify and support these students, the bill seeks to ensure they receive tailored assistance that aligns with their specific linguistic needs. Furthermore, the adjustments could facilitate better integration and participation of these students in mainstream classrooms, potentially leading to improved overall educational outcomes.

Summary

SF3661, known as the LEAPS Act modifications, aims to adjust existing provisions regarding English language learners within the education system. The bill seeks to improve educational outcomes for non-native English speakers by modifying the current strategies and resources allocated to support this demographic. The intention is to enhance the engagement and academic performance of English language learners in Minnesota schools, acknowledging the unique challenges they face in navigating an English-dominant educational environment.

Contention

While proponents of the bill argue that these modifications are essential for fostering an inclusive educational environment for English language learners, critics may raise concerns about the adequacy of funding and the implementation strategies. Potential points of contention include how effectively these modifications will be integrated into existing educational frameworks and whether they will receive the necessary support to be successful in practice. There may also be debates regarding the appropriateness of the resources allocated and the priorities set by the state education authorities in addressing the needs of these learners.

Companion Bills

MN HF3611

Similar To LEAPS Act modified, school districts required to create English learner parent committees, and translation and communications opportunities expanded for the families of English learners.

Previously Filed As

MN HF3611

LEAPS Act modified, school districts required to create English learner parent committees, and translation and communications opportunities expanded for the families of English learners.

MN SF1913

Education extended time revenue modification; graduation incentives program expansion to include all English learners with and interrupted formal education authorization; postsecondary enrollment in summer courses authorization

MN SF3965

English learner program revenue increase and indexing requirement; statewide English learner parent and community advisory council establishment; microcredentials for teachers and administrators of English learners establishment; appropriating money

MN SF1906

English learner programs revenue to basic education revenue indexing requirement; teachers and administrators of English learners microcredentials establishment; appropriating money

MN SF1125

Special education and English learner cross subsidy aid modification by the increase in the Consumer Price Index

MN HF1773

Indexing of English learner programs revenue to basic education revenue required, microcredentials of teachers and administrators of English learners established, rulemaking authorized, and money appropriated.

MN SF4590

Early learning programs modification

MN HF3372

Microcredential for teachers and administrators of English learners established, student support personnel aid for area learning centers provided, fully funded alternative programs and English learner programs task force established, rulemaking authorized, report required, and money appropriated.

MN HF1774

Extended time revenue modified, graduation incentives program expanded to include all English learners with interrupted formal education, and postsecondary enrollment in summer courses allowed.

MN HF2738

Microcredentials for teachers and administrators of English learner programs established, English learner revenue formula modified to provide additional revenue for a student with limited or interrupted formal education, English learner staff ratio reporting created, and money appropriated.

Similar Bills

MN HF4117

Local optional revenue modified, revenue for unemployment costs and family paid medical leave included in local optional revenue, referendum revenue simplified, equalization aid increased, and money appropriated.

MN SF4184

Local optional revenue modifications, unemployment costs and family paid medical leave in local optional revenue inclusion, referendum revenue simplification, equalization aid increase, and appropriating money

MN SF579

Lead testing and remediation requirements in schools modification and appropriation

MN HF347

Lead testing and remediation requirements in schools modified, report required, and money appropriated.

MN SF1612

School district funding increase

MN HF1028

Education finance increased for school district funding; general education basic formula allowance; special education cross subsidy aid; school unemployment aid account in special revenue fund; English learner cross subsidy aid; safe schools revenue; equalization aid for debt service levies, local optional revenue, and operating referendum; extended time revenue linked to general education basic formula allowance; school's compensatory revenue eligibility calculated on the basis of both direct certification and the application of education benefits; school board authorized to renew voter-approved operating referendum more than one time; and money appropriated.

MN HF2388

Local optional aid and levy replaced with basic supplemental revenue, basic supplemental aid amount increased, and money appropriated.

MN SF2781

Gender-neutral, single user restroom and locker facilities establishment and appropriation