MN SF1474

Establishes an Innovation Zone program allowing one or more school districts and charter schools to partner with postsecondary institutions, nonprofits, and other organizations to research and implement innovative education models designed to prepare students for 21st century workforce needs.

Innovation zone partnerships may pursue innovative practices such as personalized learning, competency-based graduation requirements, new assessment methods, secondary-to-postsecondary partnerships, and enhanced professional development models.

Grants approved innovation zone partnerships exemptions from specified state education laws and rules, including student attendance recording, high school graduation requirements, and course hour requirements, while maintaining Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments.

Establishes an Innovation Zone Advisory Panel composed of 14 members from education organizations and state agencies to review plans and recommend planning grants (up to 2 years) and implementation grants (up to 4 years, renewable).

Appropriates funds from the general fund to the commissioner of education for fiscal years 2018 and 2019 for planning grants, implementation grants, and administrative costs, with balances available until June 30, 2020.