MN SF2479

Expands the definition of "instruction" and "curriculum" in Minnesota education law to explicitly include applied and experiential learning, contextualized projects, and competency-based curricula.

Adds performance measure for schools to track the effectiveness of applied and experiential learning and contextualized projects as part of assessing progress toward "world's best workforce" goals.

Requires school districts by the 2014-2015 school year to help all students develop personal learning plans exploring educational, college, and career interests with annual reviews; prohibits involuntary career tracking or employment-related requirements.

Requires the P-20 partnership to collaborate with state agencies, employers, postsecondary institutions, and other stakeholders to identify policy and statutory changes needed for comprehensive career pathways and technical education, including competency-based curricula, sequential course offerings, and P-20 connections.

Adds staff development requirements for teachers to learn about workforce trends and connections between postsecondary education, training options, and career and technical education.