MN HF4561

Establishes the innovation research zone program to improve student and school outcomes by allowing school districts and charter schools to form partnerships and research innovative education models aligned with 21st century workforce requirements.

Permits partnerships to include multiple school districts, charter schools, postsecondary institutions, employers, nonprofits, and other entities; plans must be collaboratively developed with instructional staff and based on proposed research hypotheses.

Authorizes 16 categories of innovative practices including personalized learning, competency-based outcomes, real-world inquiry-based learning, international partnerships, alternative assessment models, and career/technical certifications.

Exempts approved innovation research zones from specified state statutes and rules, including online learning approval requirements, instructional hour restrictions, and experimental school year program rules, while maintaining participation in state assessments and graduation requirements.

Creates a 9-member advisory panel to review applications; commissioner may approve up to 6 plans in the seven-county metropolitan area and 6 in greater Minnesota; requires biennial progress reports to legislature; authorizes appropriations for planning and implementation grants.