Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF877

Introduced
2/17/25  
Refer
2/17/25  

Caption

Read Act amended, and appropriations cancelled.

Impact

HF877 has significant implications for how literacy is taught in public schools. It mandates the use of curricula and instructional materials based solely on evidence demonstrating success in improving reading competencies in areas such as phonological awareness, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Moreover, it establishes criteria for culturally responsive materials, ensuring that the diverse experiences of Minnesota students are reflected in literacy instruction. These changes are expected to improve reading outcomes and provide schools with the necessary resources to meet students' needs more effectively.

Summary

House File 877 (HF877) seeks to amend and enhance the existing Reading to Ensure Academic Development Act, also known as the Read Act, in the state of Minnesota. This bill aims to standardize literacy instruction through the adoption of evidence-based practices that align with the science of reading. With a planned effective date of July 1, 2025, the bill includes provisions for the development of instructional materials, curricula, and professional development programs that will support teachers in delivering effective literacy instruction to students across all grades.

Contention

While HF877 aims to strengthen literacy education, it has generated discussions around the potential limitations it places on instructional flexibility. Critics argue that by enforcing adherence to specific evidence-based methods, the bill may inadvertently restrict teachers from adopting innovative or contextually relevant instructional techniques that do not align precisely with the prescribed evidence-based approaches. This has raised concerns regarding local control over educational strategies and the resources allocated for adapting to diverse student populations.

Implementation

The bill requires collaboration between the Minnesota Department of Education and the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) to ensure that approved curricula and intervention materials are both evidence-based and culturally responsive. Additional measures include ongoing training for educators on literacy interventions and assessment strategies, which are essential for the successful implementation of the Read Act. The effective partnership with organizations like CAREI is designed to ensure that the resources and training provided are reflective of best practices in the field.

Companion Bills

MN SF1502

Similar To Read Act amendment

Previously Filed As

MN SF1502

Read Act amendment

Similar Bills

MN SF1502

Read Act amendment

MN HF6

Read Act modified, appropriations cancelled; education innovation provisions modified; P-TECH approval process modified; Office of Achievement and Innovation established in the Department of Education; equity, diversity, and inclusion appropriation modified; school performance reporting system established, fund transfers for fiscal years 2025 through 2029 authorized, and school board authorized to not comply with recently enacted state laws or rules.

MN SF771

Read Act and other educational policy provisions modifications

MN SF1740

Omnibus Education policy provisions

MN HF2864

Teacher licensure requirements related to the Read Act modified.

MN SF3061

Teacher licensure requirements modification related to the Read Act

MN HF1306

Education policy bill.

MN SF1462

Grant programs transferal from the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board to the Department of Education