Veterans may request diplomas as schools screen struggling readers

School districts and charter schools must issue a high school diploma when an eligible veteran or family member requests one. It covers veterans who could not finish high school and served during the Korean Conflict, or the Vietnam War within the dates specified in the law. A family member may request a diploma after the veteran’s death. A school may ask for proof that the veteran attended a Minnesota public school or currently lives in Minnesota.

School districts must screen students in grade 4 and above who are below grade level at least once a year. This applies to students in grade 4 and above who are not reading at grade level, including multilingual learners and students receiving special education services. Screening continues until the student reaches grade-level reading proficiency. A parent and teacher may agree that continued screening would not benefit a student; the student must still receive progress checks and reading help.

Approved teacher preparation providers must require supervised early reading field experience. It applies to candidates preparing to teach early literacy who enroll in a teacher preparation program in the 2027–2028 school year or later. The experience must give candidates a chance to use evidence-based reading practices with students and include observation and feedback. Board rules must allow waivers for appropriate program needs or documented hardship, and let programs show that candidates meet standards through field experience. This section takes effect July 1, 2026. The requirement applies to candidates who enroll in the 2027–2028 school year or later.

The Department of Education must establish an ongoing review process for reading curricula and intervention materials. The reviews cover reading curricula and intervention materials, including alternative programs for students who cannot use sound-based approaches. The department may work with a college or another partner; publishers pay the review cost directly to that partner. The department may approve materials that meet the stated reading and inclusion criteria and add them to the state’s list. Alternative programs for students who cannot use sound-based approaches must be reviewed on the same cycle. The department must establish the process and decide whether to use a partner by October 1, 2026. This section takes effect the day after final enactment.