HF 3149

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 02/12/2024 01:52pm

A bill for an act
relating to education; providing for education innovation; modifying innovation
zone provisions; modifying P-TECH approval process; codifying a new chapter
of statutes; amending Minnesota Statutes 2022, sections 124D.085; 124D.093,
subdivisions 3, 4; Laws 2017, First Special Session chapter 5, article 2, section
52; repealing Laws 2017, First Special Session chapter 5, article 2, section 52,
subdivision 3.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 124D.085, is amended to read:

124D.085 EXPERIENTIAL AND APPLIED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR
STUDENTS.

(a) To strengthen the alignment between career and college ready curriculum and state
and local academic standards and increase students' opportunities for participating in applied
and experiential learning in a nontraditional setting, school districts are encouraged to
provide programs such as new text begin :
new text end

new text begin (1) new text end magnet schools deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (2) new text end language immersion programs deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (3) new text end project-based learning deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (4) new text end accelerated learning deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (5) new text end college prep schools deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (6) new text end career and technical education deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (7) new text end Montessori schools deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (8) new text end military schools deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (9) new text end work-based schools deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ; new text end and

new text begin (10) new text end place-based learning.

new text begin (b) new text end Districts may provide such programs independently or in cooperation with other
districts, at a school single site, for particular grades, or throughout the district. In addition
to meeting the other accountability measures under chapter 120B, districts may declare that
a student meets or exceeds specific academic standards required for graduation under the
rigorous course of study waiver in section 120B.021, subdivision 1a, where appropriate.

deleted text begin (b) deleted text end new text begin (c) new text end The board of a district that chooses to participate must publicly adopt and review
a plan for providing a program under this section. The plan must: define the program and
its structure; describe the enrollment process; identify measures and processes for regularly
assessing, evaluating, and publicly reporting on program efficacy and use summary data to
show student progress and outcomes; and establish a data-informed public process for
modifying and revising the plan as needed. A district must publish its plan contents and
evaluation outcomes on the district website.

deleted text begin (c) deleted text end new text begin (d) new text end For purposes of further integrating experiential and applied learning into career
and college ready curricula, the commissioner may request program information from
providing districts under this section new text begin , but is not authorized to approve or deny any school
board-adopted program provided under this section new text end .

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 124D.093, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

deleted text begin Application deleted text end new text begin Board approval new text end process.

deleted text begin The commissioner must determine the
form and manner of application for a school to be designated a P-TECH school. deleted text end The
deleted text begin application deleted text end new text begin school board plan for adopting a P-TECH program new text end must contain at least the
following information:

(1) the written agreement between a public school, a higher education institution under
section 124D.09, subdivision 3, paragraph (a), and a business partner to jointly develop and
support a P-TECH school;

(2) a proposed school design consistent with subdivisions 1 and 2;

(3) a description of how the P-TECH school supports the needs of the economic
development region in which the P-TECH school is to be located;

(4) a description of the facilities to be used by the P-TECH school;

(5) a description of proposed budgets, curriculum, transportation plans, and other
operating procedures for the P-TECH school;

(6) the process by which students will be enrolled in the P-TECH school;

(7) the qualifications required for individuals employed in the P-TECH school; and

(8) any additional information that the deleted text begin commissioner requires deleted text end new text begin board determines is
appropriate new text end .

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 124D.093, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

new text begin Grant new text end approval process.

(a) new text begin When an appropriation is available, new text end the
commissioner of education must appoint an advisory committee to review the applications
and to recommend approval for those applications that meet the requirements of this section.
The commissioner of education has final authority over application approvals.

(b) To the extent practicable, the commissioner must ensure an equitable geographic
distribution of approved P-TECH schools.

(c) The commissioner must first begin approving applications for a P-TECH school
enrolling students in the 2020-2021 school year or later.

new text begin (d) Nothing in this subdivision should be construed to give the commissioner the authority
to approve or deny a locally adopted P-TECH plan.
new text end

Sec. 4.

Laws 2017, First Special Session chapter 5, article 2, section 52, is amended to
read:

Sec. 52. new text begin EDUCATION new text end INNOVATION deleted text begin RESEARCH deleted text end ZONES deleted text begin PILOT deleted text end PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1.

Establishment; requirements for participation; deleted text begin research deleted text end new text begin innovation new text end
zone plans.

(a) The innovation deleted text begin research deleted text end zone deleted text begin pilot deleted text end program is established to improve student
and school outcomes consistent with the world's best workforce requirements under
Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.11. Innovation zone partnerships allow school districts
and charter schools to research and implement innovative education programming models
designed to better prepare students for the world of the 21st century.

(b) One or more school districts or charter schools may join together to form an innovation
zone partnership. The partnership may include other nonschool partners, including
postsecondary institutions, other units of local government, nonprofit organizations, and
for-profit organizations. An innovation zone plan must be collaboratively developed in
concert with the school's instructional staff.

(c) An innovation deleted text begin research deleted text end zone partnership deleted text begin must research and deleted text end new text begin may new text end implement innovative
education programs and models that deleted text begin are based on proposed hypotheses. An innovation zone
plan may include an emerging practice not yet supported by peer-reviewed research.
Examples of innovation zone research deleted text end may include, but are not limited to:

(1) personalized learning, allowing students to excel at their own pace and according to
their interests, aspirations, and unique needs;

(2) the use of competency outcomes rather than seat time and course completion to fulfill
standards, credits, and other graduation requirements;

(3) multidisciplinary, real-world, inquiry-based, and student-directed models designed
to make learning more engaging and relevant, including documenting and validating learning
that takes place beyond the school day and school walls;

(4) models of instruction designed to close the achievement gap, including new models
for age three to grade 3 models, English as a second language models, early identification
and prevention of mental health issues, and others;

(5) new partnerships between secondary schools and postsecondary institutions,
employers, or career training institutions enabling students to complete industry certifications,
postsecondary education credits, and other credentials;

(6) new methods of collaborative leadership including the expansion of schools where
teachers have larger professional roles;

(7) new ways to enhance parental and community involvement in learning;

(8) new models of professional development for educators, including embedded
professional development; deleted text begin or
deleted text end

(9) new models in other areas such as whole child instruction, social-emotional skill
development, technology-based or blended learning, parent and community involvement,
professional development and mentoring, and models that increase the return on investment deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (10) new models of evaluation, assessment, and accountability using multiple indicators,
including models that demonstrate alternative ways to validate a student's academic
attainment that have predictive validity to the state tests, and also include other variables
such as problem solving, creativity, analytical thinking, collaboration, respecting others,
global understanding, postgraduation student performance, and other information;
new text end

new text begin (11) improving teacher and principal mentoring and evaluation;
new text end

new text begin (12) granting a high school diploma to a student who meets the graduation requirements
under Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.02, subdivision 2, while providing the student
opportunities to:
new text end

new text begin (i) attain postsecondary credits or degrees through advanced placement, international
baccalaureate, or concurrent enrollment courses; or
new text end

new text begin (ii) participate in career and industrial certification programs, including apprenticeship
programs;
new text end

new text begin (13) the use of the provisions in Minnesota Statutes, sections 124D.085, governing
experiential and applied learning opportunities; 124D.52, subdivision 9, governing standard
adult high school diploma requirements; and 126C.05, subdivision 15, paragraph (b), item
(i), governing the use of independent study;
new text end

new text begin (14) the use of the provisions of a learning year in Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.128,
for a student in grade 10, 11, or 12 to participate in career and technical programs after
school, on weekends, and during school breaks, including summers, and be included in the
general education revenue computation. The classes must generate both high school and
postsecondary credit and lead to either a career certification, technical college degree, or
apprenticeship program. A student participating in a learning year may attend school year
round, and the student's continual learning plan must provide for the student to meet the
high school graduation standards no later than the end of the fall semester of grade 12;
new text end

new text begin (15) methods to initiate prevention models to reduce student needs for special education
and to reduce teacher time devoted to the required special education documentation; or
new text end

new text begin (16) other innovations as determined by the local boards.
new text end

(d) An innovation zone plan submitted to the commissioner new text begin of education new text end must describe:

(1) how the plan will improve student and school outcomes consistent with the world's
best workforce requirements under Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.11;

(2) the role of each partner in the zone;

deleted text begin (3) the research methodology used for each proposed action in the plan;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (4) deleted text end new text begin (3) new text end the exemptions from statutes and rules in subdivision 2 that the deleted text begin research deleted text end new text begin innovation new text end
zone partnership will use;

deleted text begin (5) deleted text end new text begin (4) new text end a description of how teachers and other educational staff from the affected school
sites will be included in the planning and implementation process;

deleted text begin (6) deleted text end new text begin (5) new text end a detailed description of expected outcomes and graduation standards;

deleted text begin (7) deleted text end new text begin (6) new text end a timeline for implementing the plan and assessing the outcomes; and

deleted text begin (8) deleted text end new text begin (7) new text end how results of the plan will be disseminated.

The governing board for each partner must approve the innovation zone plan.

(e) Upon unanimous approval of the initial innovation zone partners deleted text begin and approval of the
commissioner of education deleted text end , the innovation zone partnership may extend membership to
other partners. A new partner's membership is effective 30 days after the innovation zone
partnership notifies the commissioner of the proposed change in membership deleted text begin unless the
commissioner disapproves the new partner's membership deleted text end new text begin and updates the plan new text end .

(f) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, a school district or charter school
participating in an innovation zone partnership under this section continues to receive all
revenue and maintains its taxation authority in the same manner as before its participation
in the innovation zone partnership. The innovation zone school district and charter school
partners remain organized and governed by their respective school boards with general
powers under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 123B or 124E, and remain subject to any
employment agreements under Minnesota Statutes, chapters 122A and 179A. School district
and charter school employees participating in an innovation zone partnership remain
employees of their respective school district or charter school.

(g) An innovation zone partnership may submit its plan at any time to the commissioner
in the form and manner specified by the commissioner. deleted text begin The commissioner must approve
or reject the plan after reviewing the recommendation of the Innovation Research Zone
Advisory Panel. An initial innovation zone plan that has been rejected by the commissioner
may be resubmitted to the commissioner after the innovation zone partnership has modified
the plan to meet each individually identified objection.
deleted text end

new text begin (h) An innovation zone plan must not cause an increase in state aid or levies for partners.
new text end

Subd. 2.

Exemptions from laws and rules.

(a) Notwithstanding any other law to the
contrary, an innovation zone partner with deleted text begin an approved deleted text end new text begin a new text end plan new text begin filed with the commissioner
new text end is exempt from each of the following state education laws and rules specifically identified
in its plan:

(1) any law or rule from which a district-created, site-governed school under Minnesota
Statutes, section 123B.045, is exempt;

(2) any statute or rule from which the commissioner has exempted another district or
charter school, as identified in the list published on the Department of Education's deleted text begin Web site deleted text end new text begin
website new text end under subdivision 4, paragraph (b);

(3) online learning program approval under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.095,
subdivision 7, if the school district or charter school offers a course or program online
combined with direct access to a teacher for a portion of that course or program;

(4) restrictions on extended time revenue under Minnesota Statutes, section 126C.10,
subdivision 2a, for a student who meets the criteria of Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.68,
subdivision 2; and

(5) any required hours of instruction in any class or subject area for a student who is
meeting all competencies consistent with the graduation standards described in the innovation
zone plan.

(b) The exemptions under this subdivision must not be construed as exempting an
innovation zone partner from the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments new text begin or as increasing
any state aid or levy new text end .

Subd. 3.

Innovation Research Zone Advisory Panel.

(a) The commissioner must
establish and convene an Innovation Research Zone Advisory Panel to review all innovation
zone plans submitted for approval.

(b) The panel must be composed of nine members. One member must be appointed by
each of the following organizations: Educators for Excellence, Education Minnesota,
Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals, Minnesota Elementary School
Principals' Association, Minnesota Association of School Administrators, Minnesota School
Boards Association, Minnesota Association of Charter Schools, and the Office of Higher
Education. The commissioner must appoint one member with expertise in evaluation and
research.

Subd. 4.

new text begin Role of the new text end commissioner deleted text begin approval deleted text end .

(a) deleted text begin Upon recommendation of the
Innovation Research Zone Advisory Panel, the commissioner may approve up to three
innovation zone plans in the seven-county metropolitan area and up to three in greater
Minnesota. deleted text end If an innovation zone partnership fails to implement its innovation zone plan as
described in its application and according to the stated timeline, deleted text begin upon recommendation of
the Innovation Research Zone Advisory Panel, deleted text end the commissioner deleted text begin must deleted text end new text begin may new text end alert the
partnership members and provide the opportunity to remediate. If implementation continues
to fail, the commissioner deleted text begin must deleted text end new text begin may new text end suspend or terminate the innovation zone plan.

(b) The commissioner must publish a list of the exemptions the commissioner has granted
to a district or charter school on the Department of Education's deleted text begin Web site deleted text end new text begin website new text end by July 1,
2017. The list must be updated annually.

Subd. 5.

Project evaluation, dissemination, and report to legislature.

Each deleted text begin research deleted text end new text begin
innovation new text end zone partnership must submit project data to the commissioner in the form and
manner deleted text begin provided for in the approved application deleted text end new text begin specified by the commissioner new text end . At least
once every two years, the commissioner deleted text begin must deleted text end new text begin may new text end analyze each innovation zone's progress
in realizing the objectives of the innovation zone partnership's plan. new text begin To the extent practicable,
and using existing resources, new text end the commissioner deleted text begin must deleted text end new text begin may new text end summarize and categorize
innovation zone plans and submit a report to the legislative committees having jurisdiction
over education by February 1 of each odd-numbered year in accordance with Minnesota
Statutes, section 3.195.

Sec. 5. new text begin REVISOR INSTRUCTION.
new text end

new text begin (a) The revisor of statutes shall renumber the provisions of Minnesota Statutes and laws
listed in column A to the references listed in column B. The revisor shall also make necessary
cross-reference changes in Minnesota Statutes and Minnesota Rules consistent with the
renumbering in this instruction.
new text end

	new text begin Column A new text end	new text begin Column B new text end
	new text begin Laws 2017, First Special Session chapter 5, article 2, section 52 new text end	new text begin 124F.01 new text end
	new text begin 124D.085 new text end	new text begin 124F.02 new text end
	new text begin 124D.093 new text end	new text begin 124F.03 new text end
	new text begin 124D.4535 new text end	new text begin 124F.04 new text end
	new text begin 124D.46 new text end	new text begin 124F.05 new text end
	new text begin 124D.47 new text end	new text begin 124F.06 new text end
	new text begin 124D.48 new text end	new text begin 124F.07 new text end
	new text begin 124D.49 new text end	new text begin 124F.08 new text end
	new text begin 124D.50 new text end	new text begin 124F.09 new text end

new text begin (b) This section is intended to be a reorganization of statutes relating to Education
Innovation in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 124F. The changes that have been made are not
intended to change the meaning or prior interpretation of those laws.
new text end

Sec. 6. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

new text begin Laws 2017, First Special Session chapter 5, article 2, section 52, subdivision 3, new text end new text begin is
repealed.
new text end

APPENDIX

Repealed Minnesota Session Laws: 23-04697

Laws 2017, First Special Session chapter 5, article 2, section 52, subdivision 3

Sec. 52. new text begin INNOVATION RESEARCH ZONES PILOT PROGRAM. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Innovation Research Zone Advisory Panel. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner must establish and convene an Innovation Research Zone Advisory Panel to review all innovation zone plans submitted for approval. new text end

new text begin (b) The panel must be composed of nine members. One member must be appointed by each of the following organizations: Educators for Excellence, Education Minnesota, Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals, Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association, Minnesota Association of School Administrators, Minnesota School Boards Association, Minnesota Association of Charter Schools, and the Office of Higher Education. The commissioner must appoint one member with expertise in evaluation and research. new text end