HF 1272

as introduced - 87th Legislature (2011 - 2012) Posted on 03/23/2011 09:33am

A bill for an act
relating to education; proposing a transitions plan for high school students to
successfully pursue postsecondary education and employment; appropriating
money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 120B.125.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 120B.125, is amended to read:

120B.125 PLANNING FOR STUDENTS' SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION
TO POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT; INVOLUNTARY
CAREER TRACKING PROHIBITED.

(a) Consistent with sections 120B.128, 120B.13, 120B.131, 120B.132, 120B.14,
120B.15, 125A.08, and other related sections, school districts are strongly encouraged to
assist all students by no later than grade 9 to explore their college and career interests and
aspirations and develop a plan for a smooth and successful transition to postsecondary
education or employment. All students' plans must be designed to:

(1) provide a comprehensive academic plan for completing a college and
career-ready curriculum premised on meeting state and local academic standards and
developing 21st century skills such as team work, collaboration, and good work habits;

(2) emphasize academic rigor and high expectations;

(3) help students identify personal learning styles that may affect their postsecondary
education and employment choices;

(4) help students succeed at gaining access to postsecondary education and career
options;

(5) integrate strong academic content into career-focused courses and integrate
relevant career-focused courses into strong academic content;

(6) help students and families identify and gain access to appropriate counseling
and other supports and assistance that enable students to complete required coursework,
prepare for postsecondary education and careers, and obtain information about
postsecondary education costs and eligibility for financial aid and scholarship;

(7) help students and families identify collaborative partnerships of kindergarten
through grade 12 schools, postsecondary institutions, economic development agencies, and
employers that support students' transition to postsecondary education and employment
and provide students with experiential learning opportunities; and

(8) be reviewed and revised at least annually by the student, the student's parent or
guardian, and the school or district to ensure that the student's course-taking schedule
keeps the student "on track" to meet state and local high school graduation requirements
and with a reasonable chance to succeed with employment or postsecondary education
without the need to first complete remedial course work.

(b) A school district may develop grade-level curricula or provide instruction that
introduces students to various careers, but must not require any curriculum, instruction,
or employment-related activity that obligates an elementary or secondary student to
involuntarily select a career, career interest, employment goals, or related job training.

(c) School districts are encouraged to seek and use revenue and in-kind contributions
from nonstate sources and to seek administrative cost savings through innovative local
funding arrangements, such as the Collaboration Among Rochester Educators (CARE)
model for funding postsecondary enrollment options, among other sources, for purposes
of implementing this section.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment
and applies to students graduating in the 2013-2014 school year and later.