Minnesota House Bill HF613

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/23
• Refer: 1/19/23

Caption

High school students allowed to earn elective credits through employment with health care providers.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would amend Minnesota Statutes, specifically chapter 124D, to include provisions that directly impact high school graduation requirements. It represents an innovative response to the dual needs of enhancing educational outcomes for students while addressing the critical labor shortages faced by health care providers. By facilitating this type of credit for employment, the education system in Minnesota is adapting to provide more practical and relevant learning experiences that align with the job market.

Summary

HF613 is a legislative proposal that aims to allow high school students in grades 11 and 12 in Minnesota to earn elective credits through their employment with specific health care providers. This new measure would enable students to gain practical work experience while fulfilling a part of their educational requirements. The bill stipulates that students can earn up to two elective credits for every 350 hours of work, provided they submit an application to their school district for verification of hours worked. This approach not only promotes work-based learning but also encourages students to consider career paths in the health care sector, which is essential for meeting workforce demands in this field.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HF613 include the potential implications for educational equity and access. While supporters argue that allowing students to earn credits through employment is beneficial, critics may raise concerns about whether all students have equal opportunities to find and engage in employment roles that meet the bill's criteria. Furthermore, there may be discussions on whether this approach places undue emphasis on work experience over traditional classroom learning. Thus, educators and policymakers may need to consider how to address disparities in access to such employment opportunities to ensure it benefits all students equally.