Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF1273

Introduced
2/6/23  
Refer
2/6/23  
Refer
3/1/23  

Caption

The Read Act

Impact

The impact of SF1273 on state laws includes significant amendments to existing education statutes, particularly concerning literacy instruction standards. Schools are required to implement a local literacy plan, which must be updated annually and include various assessment and intervention strategies. These changes emphasize the importance of targeted reading instruction and data collection, thereby establishing accountability measures for improving student literacy outcomes. Consequently, the bill aims to enhance educational equity by addressing the diverse needs of students within Minnesota.

Summary

SF1273, also known as the Reading to Ensure Academic Development Act, seeks to enhance literacy across Minnesota's educational system. The bill mandates that schools adopt evidence-based literacy curriculum and establish support systems, including hiring literacy specialists and forming an advisory council to oversee implementation. This initiative aims to ensure that every child can read at or above grade level by the end of grade three, with a particular focus on English learners and underperforming students. To support this core goal, the legislation allocates funding for training educators in structured literacy instruction.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SF1273 appears generally positive, with broad support from educators and literacy advocates who believe that systematic approaches to literacy instruction will benefit students. However, there are concerns from some stakeholders regarding the logistical challenges that may arise in implementing the mandated changes, especially regarding the availability of trained personnel and necessary materials. Nonetheless, the prevailing view is that increasing literacy rates is a crucial step toward improving educational outcomes statewide.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the methodologies that schools will use for literacy instruction and how effectively they can meet the requirements set forth in SF1273. Some critics worry that a one-size-fits-all approach may not account for local contextual needs, potentially diluting the effectiveness of literacy initiatives. Additionally, funding and resource allocation for schools may pose significant challenges, particularly in less affluent areas. The requirement for all reading interventions to be evidence-based raises questions about the flexibility schools will have in deciding how to support struggling readers.

Companion Bills

MN HF629

Similar To Read Act established, schools required to use approved literacy curriculum, literacy specialists required, report required, and money appropriated.

Previously Filed As

MN HF629

Read Act established, schools required to use approved literacy curriculum, literacy specialists required, report required, and money appropriated.

MN SF619

Teachers of Color Act modification and appropriation

MN SF771

Read Act and other educational policy provisions modifications

MN HF320

Teachers of Color Act strengthened, percentage of teachers of color and American Indian teachers in Minnesota increased, world's best workforce requirements amended, reports required, and money appropriated.

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 SF3567

Omnibus Education policy bill

MN SF2100

Diversity, equity, and inclusion provisions repeal in prekindergarten through grade 12 education

MN HF1839

Diversity, equity, and inclusion provisions in prekindergarten through grade 12 education repealed.

MN HF3782

Education; prekindergarten through grade 12 education provisions modified including general education, education excellence, teachers, special education, charter schools, nutrition and libraries, health and safety, and state agencies; and reports required.

MN HF1269

Prekindergarten through grade 12 provisions modified including general education accountability and transparency, education excellence, American Indian education, charter schools, discipline, teachers, special education, and early learning; and reports required.

Similar Bills

MN HF629

Read Act established, schools required to use approved literacy curriculum, literacy specialists required, report required, and money appropriated.

MN SF3698

Read Act amendment

MN HF3744

Read Act amended, working group established, supplemental funding provided, reports required, and money appropriated.

MN HF877

Read Act amended, and appropriations cancelled.

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 SF1502

Read Act amendment

MN HF5237

Education supplemental budget bill.