HF2944 Summary

• Amends Minnesota education statutes to require school districts to provide all students, including low-income and minority students, with equitable access to effective and more diverse teachers as part of the "world's best workforce" definition.

• Adds teacher diversity metrics to school district performance measures, requiring districts to report the number and percent of teachers from underrepresented populations who reflect student diversity.

• Modifies teacher and principal evaluation processes to include goals for hiring, supporting, and retaining diverse teaching staff that reflects student demographics under section 120B.35.

• Requires eligible school districts under the Achievement and Integration for Minnesota program to pursue racial and economic integration through integrated learning environments with improved access to effective and diverse teachers.

• Directs the Commissioner of Higher Education to submit a report by February 1, 2017, with recommendations on expanding pathways to licensure, removing barriers to diverse teacher candidates, and providing financial assistance and mentoring programs to increase teacher diversity.