MN HF341

Amend literacy goal requirements to include culturally competent teachers providing comprehensive, scientifically based reading instruction, effective for the 2017-2018 school year and later.

Require school boards to establish uniform dismissal criteria and adopt culturally competent policies emphasizing prevention of dismissals through early detection of problems and addressing the continuing responsibility of schools to educate dismissed pupils.

Mandate culturally competent comprehensive reading instruction including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary development, and reading comprehension, with encouragement for districts to teach English learners reading and writing in both native language and English simultaneously.

Require culturally competent individualized education program teams to determine appropriate goals and services for students with disabilities, ensuring maximum inclusion in regular education environments when appropriate.

Require culturally competent district employees to conduct and document at least two instructional strategies or research-based interventions before referring pupils for special education evaluation, with paraprofessionals receiving annual training in cultural competency specific to student needs.