MN SF13

Appropriates $300,000 for fiscal year 2018 and $300,000 for fiscal year 2019 from the general fund to the Department of Education for a one-time grant.

Awards grant to Rock 'n' Read Project to implement a computer-based educational program using singing to improve reading ability in students in grades 3 through 5 across at least three Minnesota school districts, charter schools, or school sites.

Grantee must provide hardware, software, licenses, technical support, professional development, and instructional monitoring; conduct pre- and post-intervention reading assessments; and evaluate intervention impact.

Prioritizes school selection in urban, suburban, and greater Minnesota areas, with preference for schools where a high proportion of students read below grade level and are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.

Requires grantee to submit a report by February 15, 2019 detailing expenditures and outcomes to the commissioner of education and legislative committees with jurisdiction over K-12 education policy and finance; grant must be matched with cash or in-kind contributions from nonstate sources.