MN HF4666

School districts must assess reading skills of students in kindergarten through grade 3 at the beginning, middle, and end of each school year; identify students not reading at grade level; and use assessments to recommend appropriate interventions.

Students identified as not reading at grade level by end of grades K-2 must be screened for dyslexia characteristics; students in grade 3+ with reading difficulties must be screened unless another cause has been identified.

Districts must provide intensive reading instruction and intervention to students identified as below grade level, with continued intervention for students not reading at grade level by end of grade 3; personal learning plans required for students unable to demonstrate grade-level proficiency by grade 3.

Commissioner of Education must adopt a list of approved scientific research-based reading curricula for kindergarten through grade 3, with authority to reduce literacy incentive aid for districts not using approved curricula starting in 2021-2022.

Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board must establish a reading endorsement for kindergarten through grade 3 teachers requiring passing score on comprehensive, scientific research-based reading instruction examination; candidates applying after July 1, 2022, must qualify for reading endorsement as condition of licensure.

A five-day summer professional development training program in comprehensive scientific research-based reading instruction must be established for kindergarten through grade 3 teachers, with participating teachers receiving compensation and reading coaches assigned to participating districts.