S.F. No. 2543 Summary

• Extends the pilot project duration from June 30, 2018 to June 30, 2021, allowing school districts and charter schools to collaborate on innovative education programs with postsecondary institutions and employers.

• Authorizes the commissioner to select up to eight qualified applicant partnerships (increased from six) for the 2016-2017 through 2020-2021 school years to participate in the pilot project.

• Allows participating schools to use alternative assessments in place of Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments and permits applied mathematics or STEM courses to satisfy algebra II requirements.

• Requires participating districts and charter schools to submit biennial evaluations by February 1 in odd-numbered years using longitudinal data and analysis based on return on investment, program effectiveness, or beat-the-odds analysis.

• Mandates the commissioner submit an interim report by March 30, 2019 and a final report by 2022 recommending whether to continue or expand the pilot project.