HF 1347

as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 03/12/2015 03:45pm

A bill for an act
relating to higher education; establishing an alternative teacher preparation grant
program; appropriating money.

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

Section 1. new text begin ALTERNATIVE TEACHER PREPARATION GRANT PROGRAM.
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new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the definitions have
the meanings given.
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new text begin (b) "Alternative teacher preparation program" means a teacher preparation program
approved under Minnesota Statutes, section 122A.245.
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new text begin (c) "Diversity" means the inclusion of different types of people including race,
ethnicity, gender, background, or origin of individuals.
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new text begin (d) "Highly selective" means accepting less than 25 percent of applicants.
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new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Establishment and eligibility. new text end

new text begin A competitive grant program is established
for alternative teacher preparation programs. The commissioner of the Minnesota Office
of Higher Education shall develop the form and method for applying for the grants.
The commissioner shall develop criteria for determining the allocation of the grants to
alternative teacher preparation programs that meet the following criteria:
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new text begin (1) have a highly selective process for program participants;
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new text begin (2) have a history of selecting participants that increase the diversity of Minnesota's
teaching workforce; and
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new text begin (3) are established teacher preparation models with a track record of improving
student achievement. Track record of success must be demonstrated by peer-reviewed
local or national research on the program's model demonstrating a positive impact on
student learning.
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new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Use of grant. new text end

new text begin The appropriation must be used for:
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new text begin (1) expenses related to the recruitment, selection, and training of teachers;
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new text begin (2) ongoing professional development of teachers;
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new text begin (3) regional management and operational support, development, and central services,
including finance, technology, and human services; and
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new text begin (4) leveraging nonstate money to accomplish clauses (1) to (3).
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new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Evaluation. new text end

new text begin The Minnesota Office of Higher Education may request a
report from the alternative teacher preparation program at the end of the biennium for the
grantee to share compliance with the above criteria.
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Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
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new text begin $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2016 and $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2017 are appropriated
from the general fund to the commissioner of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education
for the alternative teacher preparation grant program established under section 1.
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