MN HF119

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 not reading at grade level by the end of grades K-2 must be screened for dyslexia characteristics in a locally determined manner; students in grade 3+ demonstrating reading difficulty must also be screened unless another reason for difficulty has been identified.

School districts or charter schools must provide a personal learning plan for students unable to demonstrate grade-level proficiency on the statewide grade 3 reading assessment, addressing knowledge gaps and skill deficiencies; grade retention is permitted for K-2 students if in their best interest.

Commissioner of Education must adopt a list of approved scientific research-based reading curricula for kindergarten through grade 3 and may reduce literacy incentive aid for districts not using approved curricula starting in the 2021-2022 school year.

Schools making demonstrable improvement in reading skills for kindergarten through grade 3 students can receive up to $100 per pupil through a new school recognition program; teachers receiving kindergarten through grade 3 licenses after July 1, 2022 must earn a reading endorsement demonstrating knowledge of comprehensive, scientific research-based reading instruction.