HF3596 Summary

• Amends Minnesota Statutes to add "targeted service" as a type of alternative learning program that districts may establish, operating alongside area learning centers and contract alternatives.

• Defines targeted service as an alternative learning program for kindergarten through grade 8 students that must be administered by licensed teachers.

• Requires the commissioner of education to convene a workgroup to identify or develop performance measures for alternative programs, including credits earned, grade promotion, postsecondary enrollment, and job attainment or retention.

• Directs the workgroup to develop additional performance measures specific to alternative education students and recommend methods for highlighting best practices among high-performing programs.

• Workgroup must report recommendations to the commissioner by December 15, 2010, with the commissioner providing findings to legislative committees by February 15, 2011.