HF 3885

as introduced - 85th Legislature (2007 - 2008) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to higher education; establishing a pilot financial aid program for
teachers of color; appropriating money.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin TEACHERS OF COLOR FINANCIAL AID PILOT PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Establishment. new text end

new text begin The teachers of color financial aid pilot program
is established under the supervision of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education to
encourage academically talented postsecondary students of color to become teachers
of early childhood, elementary, or secondary education; to increase the academic
achievement of diverse student populations; to help close the existing student achievement
gaps by creating a cadre of qualified new teachers; and to encourage students of color
attending four-year institutions to enroll in a teacher preparation program and students
attending two-year colleges to transfer to and enroll in a teacher preparation program at
eligible institutions. Financial aid under this pilot program is to provide incentives for
postsecondary students of color to enter teacher preparation programs and to teach in
Minnesota school districts.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin For the purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given them:
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new text begin (1) "student of color" means a student who is African American, American Indian,
Alaskan native, Asian American or Pacific Islander, or Hispanic;
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new text begin (2) "director" means the director of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education;
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new text begin (3) "eligible institution" means a public four-year postsecondary institution with an
approved teacher preparation program that is participating in a pilot partnership under
subdivision 4; and
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new text begin (4) "teacher preparation program" means a program at an institution that prepares
students to be teachers.
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new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Grants. new text end

new text begin (a) The director shall award grants under this section to eligible
students as an incentive to enter teacher preparation programs. An eligible student must
submit an application for a grant under this section for the student's junior and senior years
in a teacher preparation program. Applications must be submitted to the director in the
form and manner and with the information required by the director.
new text end

new text begin (b) An eligible student who is enrolled as a junior or senior in a teacher preparation
program at an eligible institution may receive a grant under this section of up to $5,000
each year for a maximum of two academic years or the equivalent at an eligible institution
if the student continues to make satisfactory progress toward a baccalaureate degree
in education.
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new text begin (c) Grants under this section are made within the limits of appropriations for the
pilot program. The director may prorate the grant awards and the length of time of the
award for students who attend part-time. The director must give priority for grants
under this section to students who are eligible for the Pell grant or for a state grant under
Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.121.
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new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Student eligibility. new text end

new text begin A student is eligible to receive a grant under this
section if the student:
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new text begin (1) is an American citizen or eligible noncitizen residing in Minnesota;
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new text begin (2) certifies that the student is a student of color;
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new text begin (3) is enrolled in a four-year postsecondary institution and making satisfactory
academic progress; and
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new text begin (4) is admitted to an approved teacher preparation program at an eligible institution.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Pilot partnerships. new text end

new text begin Up to four partnerships between a public four-year
institution in Minnesota with an approved teacher preparation program and at least one
Minnesota school district may participate in the teachers of color financial aid pilot
program. Of the four partnerships, one must be a partnership between Winona State
University and the Rochester school district and one must be a partnership between St.
Cloud State University and Robbinsdale public schools. Each partnership must agree to
devise a plan to recruit students of color for teacher preparation programs and assistance
under this section. Recruitment of students must include recruiting and encouraging
talented students of color who attend two-year colleges to transfer to teacher preparation
programs at participating pilot institutions.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Teachers of color program promotion. new text end

new text begin The director may use up to
$25,000 of the appropriation for the program under this section for the administration and
promotion of the pilot program and to assist with the recruitment of students of color
for teacher preparation programs. The director must consult with the commissioner of
education, the University of Minnesota, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, and
private colleges to develop strategies to recruit, retain, and mentor students in pilot
programs while the students attend a teacher preparation program. To the extent possible,
existing state or private programs must be used to provide recruitment, retention, and
mentoring services under this subdivision.
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Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION; TEACHERS OF COLOR FINANCIAL AID PILOT
PROGRAM.
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new text begin Of the amount appropriated in Laws 2007, chapter 144, article 1, section 3,
subdivision 2, $225,000 in fiscal year 2009 is for the teachers of color financial aid pilot
program under section 1.
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