SF 1983

as introduced - 92nd Legislature (2021 - 2022) Posted on 04/07/2021 09:49am

A bill for an act
relating to education finance; creating a grant program to support activities to close
the literacy gap in Minnesota's public schools; requiring a report; appropriating
money.

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

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATIONS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Department of Education. new text end

new text begin The sums indicated in this section are
appropriated from the general fund to the Department of Education for the fiscal years
designated.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Closing the literacy gap. new text end

new text begin (a) For a grant to the Literacy Matters Foundation
for activities designed to close the literacy gap through teacher support and improving
reading proficiency for students of color:
new text end

	new text begin $ new text end	new text begin 500,000 new text end	new text begin ..... new text end	new text begin 2022 new text end
	new text begin $ new text end	new text begin 500,000 new text end	new text begin ..... new text end	new text begin 2023 new text end

new text begin (b) The Literacy Matters Foundation must use the funds appropriated in this section to
support classroom teachers in public schools where students are performing below the
statewide average reading achievement levels. Funds must be used for programs providing
individualized learning experiences for students using multisensory technology in building
memory of foundational reading, writing, and spelling skills. The Literacy Matters Foundation
must also provide geographic diversity when choosing schools for its programming.
new text end

new text begin (c) To the extent practicable, the Literacy Matters Foundation's grant-funded activities
must be focused on programs for underserved students, American Indian students, and
students of color in kindergarten through grade 3.
new text end

new text begin (d) By January 15 of each year, the Literacy Matters Foundation must prepare and submit
a report to the legislative committees having jurisdiction over education describing the
programs offered, program outcomes, and the students served.
new text end

new text begin (e) This appropriation is available until June 30, 2026.
new text end

new text begin (f) The base for fiscal year 2024 is $500,000. The base for fiscal year 2025 and later is
$0.
new text end