MN HF3421

Teacher preparation programs approved by the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board must require supervised early literacy field experience for candidates who will provide early literacy instruction, applying to those enrolling in programs during the 2027-2028 school year or later.

Field experiences must be integrated with reading instruction coursework, aligned to evidence-based best practices under Minnesota Statutes sections 120B.118 to 120B.124, and occur primarily within school buildings during the instructional day.

The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board must adopt rules defining which licensure areas require the field experience, establishing scope and outcome expectations, allowing waivers for unique program models or hardship, and requiring observation with actionable feedback.

General fund appropriation to the Department of Education for fiscal year 2027 to support rulemaking activities (specific dollar amount not yet designated in bill text).

Effective date is July 1, 2026.