SF 3843

as introduced - 92nd Legislature (2021 - 2022) Posted on 03/10/2022 09:08am

A bill for an act
relating to education; requiring elementary education teacher candidates to receive
instruction in the Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling
program; amending Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 122A.092, subdivision 5.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 122A.092, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Reading strategies.

(a) A teacher preparation provider approved by the
Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board to prepare persons for classroom
teacher licensure must include in its teacher preparation programs research-based best
practices in reading, consistent with section 122A.06, subdivision 4, that enable the licensure
candidate to teach reading in the candidate's content areas. Teacher candidates must be
instructed in using students' native languages as a resource in creating effective differentiated
instructional strategies for English learners developing literacy skills. A teacher preparation
provider also must prepare early childhood and elementary teacher candidates for Tier 3
and Tier 4 teaching licenses under sections 122A.183 and 122A.184, respectively, for the
portion of the examination under section 122A.185, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), covering
assessment of reading instruction.

(b) Board-approved teacher preparation programs for teachers of elementary education
must require instruction in applying comprehensive, scientifically based or evidence-based,
and structured reading instruction programs that:

(1) teach students to read using foundational knowledge, practices, and strategies
consistent with section 122A.06, subdivision 4, so that all students achieve continuous
progress in reading; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(2) teach specialized instruction in reading strategies, interventions, and remediations
that enable students of all ages and proficiency levels to become proficient readers deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ; and
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new text begin (3) beginning February 1, 2026, requires teacher candidates to receive instruction using
the Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling program.
new text end

(c) Board-approved teacher preparation programs for teachers of elementary education,
early childhood education, special education, and reading intervention must include
instruction on dyslexia, as defined in section 125A.01, subdivision 2. Teacher preparation
programs may consult with the Department of Education, including the dyslexia specialist
under section 120B.122, to develop instruction under this paragraph. Instruction on dyslexia
must be modeled on practice standards of the International Dyslexia Association, and must
address:

(1) the nature and symptoms of dyslexia;

(2) resources available for students who show characteristics of dyslexia;

(3) evidence-based instructional strategies for students who show characteristics of
dyslexia, including the structured literacy approach; and

(4) outcomes of intervention and lack of intervention for students who show
characteristics of dyslexia.

(d) Nothing in this section limits the authority of a school district to select a school's
reading program or curriculum.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end