MN HF4161

Appropriates $500,000 from the general fund to the Literacy Matters Foundation in fiscal year 2021 for activities to close the literacy gap through teacher support and improving reading proficiency for students of color.

Requires funds to support classroom teachers in public schools where students perform below statewide average reading achievement levels, using programs with multisensory technology to build foundational reading, writing, and spelling skills.

Directs the foundation to prioritize programs for underserved students, students of color, and American Indian students in kindergarten through third grade, with geographic diversity in school selection.

Mandates the Literacy Matters Foundation submit an annual report by January 15 to the education committees describing programs offered, program outcomes, and students served.

Makes the appropriation available until June 30, 2023.