1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to education; establishing an American Indian education liaison position 
1.3 	within the Department of Education.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. AMERICAN INDIAN EDUCATION LIAISON.
 1.6 	$120,000 is appropriated in fiscal year 2009 from the general fund to the Department 
1.7 	of Education to hire an American Indian education liaison. This position will be 
1.8 	responsible for:
1.9 	(1) serving as a liaison to provide continuing support for American Indian students, 
1.10 	districts, and tribes and to cultivate positive relations within the American Indian 
1.11 	community;
1.12 	(2) providing technical assistance;
1.13 	(3) facilitating an annual statewide American Indian youth and parent conference 
1.14 	to provide ongoing communication on American Indian education to families, tribes, 
1.15 	educational institutions, and the community at large;
1.16 	(4) promoting and fostering community outreach in order to assist families with 
1.17 	understanding school choice opportunities and providing experiences for American Indian 
1.18 	students; and
1.19 	(5) coordinating technical assistance at the Department of Education to assist 
1.20 	American Indian students to achieve academic proficiency standards and assessments.