Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF3965

Introduced
2/19/24  

Caption

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

Impact

The bill has significant implications for state education laws by amending existing statutes to include provisions for increased funding and targeted support for English learners. Specifically, it mandates that districts calculate their English learner revenue based on updated formulas, which will vary according to enrollment and student needs, especially for those with limited education backgrounds. Such changes are designed to offer more equitable access to resources, thus improving educational outcomes for these students.

Summary

SF3965 aims to enhance the education of English learners in Minnesota by increasing and indexing revenue allocated for their programs, establishing parent and community advisory councils, and facilitating the development of microcredentials for educators. The bill emphasizes both financial support and professional development to better address the diverse needs of English learners, ensuring that schools have the necessary resources to provide effective language instruction and culturally relevant practices.

Contention

Debate surrounding SF3965 centers on the adequacy and accessibility of resources for English learners, with proponents arguing that increased funding and community involvement are crucial for addressing the needs of this student population. Critics, however, may raise concerns about implementations and whether the enhanced funding will be sufficient to meet the needs of all districts effectively. Some stakeholders might express apprehensions about the sustainability of the funding model and the potential for disparities in resource allocation across different regions.

Notable_points

A particularly noteworthy aspect of SF3965 is its provision for microcredentials, which aims to enhance the skills of teachers through specialized training in best practices for teaching English learners. The establishment of a statewide English learner parent and community advisory council further emphasizes the bill's commitment to community engagement and cooperation in decision-making processes, reflecting a more inclusive approach to education policy.

Companion Bills

MN HF3372

Similar To 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.

Previously Filed As

MN SF1906

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

MN SF3182

Microcredentials for teachers and administrators of English Learner programs establishment; appropriating money

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 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 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.

MN SF21

English learner programming funding increase; English learner cross subsidy aid addition; appropriating money

MN HF22

English learner programming funding increased, English learner cross subsidy aid added, and money appropriated.

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 SF3661

LEAPS Act modifications; English language learners provisions modifications

MN SB4256

Reaching English Learners Act

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 HF2388

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

MN SF1612

School district funding increase

MN HF1028

Various education finance funding allocations increased involving, school district funding, general education basic formula allowance, special education cross subsidy aid, school unemployment aid account funding, English learner cross subsidy aid, and safe schools revenue; extended time revenue linked to general education basic formula allowance; calculations for school's compensatory revenue eligibility modified; school board powers modified; and money appropriated.

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 SF2708

Local optional aid for schools increase provision, state-paid free lunches limited to families with incomes at or below 500 percent of the federal poverty level, and appropriation