MN SF3164

Regional centers of excellence are established to assist school boards, districts, school sites, and charter schools in implementing research-based interventions to increase student achievement within a region.

Centers must prioritize reading instruction using scientifically based research including fluency, phonemic awareness, phonics, reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and LETRS training.

Centers must be led by LETRS-certified reading professionals including at least two literacy specialists and a dyslexia specialist employed by the Department of Education.

Regional literacy support directors (independent contractors) must monitor student reading growth data, oversee districtwide professional development, and evaluate implementation of scientifically based reading practices.

Appropriations of $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2022 and $1,700,000 for fiscal year 2023 are allocated to regional centers of excellence, with $700,000 in fiscal year 2023 specifically for grants to contract with one full-time regional literacy support director per center.