https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/Recent content in Chapter 120B — Educational Expectations and Graduation Requirements for Minnesota's Students on MinnesotaLawyer.comHugoen-ushttps://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.01/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.01/This section says that all the key terms used in Chapter 120B (about school standards and graduation) have the same meanings as those defined in section 120A.05. Instead of listing definitions again, it points you to the other section where those words are explained.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.018/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.018/This section defines important education terms used throughout Chapter 120B. It explains what ‘academic standard,’ ‘benchmark,’ ‘credit,’ ’elective standard,’ and ‘required standard’ mean. These definitions help parents and teachers understand the rules about what students must learn in school.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.019/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.019/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed from the statutes by the legislature in 2012.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.02/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.02/This section sets the overall expectations for what Minnesota students must learn and do to graduate from high school. It says the state will create rigorous academic standards, but school districts get to decide how to teach them. Students must complete required credits and show they understand the standards to earn a diploma.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.021/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.021/This section lists the subjects all Minnesota public school students must learn: language arts, math, science, social studies, physical education, health, and the arts. It also covers how the state develops and reviews these standards, including input from parents, teachers, and Tribal communities. The standards are reviewed and updated on a ten-year cycle.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.022/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.022/This section covers elective academic standards, which are standards that school districts create locally for career and technical education and world languages. It also establishes Minnesota’s bilingual and multilingual seal programs, which recognize high school students who show proficiency in languages other than English, including Indigenous languages and American Sign Language.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.023/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.023/This section explains how benchmarks work alongside academic standards. Benchmarks are specific skills students must learn at each grade level to meet a standard. The commissioner of education creates and publishes these benchmarks, and once they are set, they can only be changed with approval from the legislature.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.024/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.024/This section lists the specific credits students need to graduate from a Minnesota high school. Students must earn credits in language arts, math, science, social studies, arts, physical education, health, and at least seven elective credits. Students starting 9th grade in 2024-2025 or later must also complete a personal finance course.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.026/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.026/This section explains when a student can be excused from physical education class. A student can be excused with a doctor’s note, for an individualized education or health plan, or if a parent requests an exemption for religious reasons. Students with disabilities must receive modifications so they can participate. Schools are strongly encouraged not to take away recess as punishment for K-5 students.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.03/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.03/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. It was removed from the statutes by the legislature in 2000.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.031/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.031/This section was repealed by the 2003 education legislation that reorganized Minnesota’s academic standards framework. It is no longer active law, and the legal citation shown reflects the session law that removed it. The subject matter previously covered has been reorganized into other sections of chapter 120B.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.04/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.04/This section was repealed by the 2000 education legislation. It is no longer active law, and the citation shown reflects the session law that removed or renumbered it. The subject matter previously covered has been reorganized into other sections of chapter 120B dealing with educational standards and graduation requirements.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.05/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.05/This section was repealed by the 1999 education legislation. It is no longer active law, and the citation shown reflects the session law that removed or renumbered it. The subject matter previously covered has been reorganized into other sections of chapter 120B dealing with educational standards and graduation requirements.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.07/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.07/This law allows any high school student who has finished all required courses or standards to graduate early, before the school year ends. The student, the student’s parent or guardian, and local school officials must all agree to the early graduation. This flexibility helps students who are ready move on to college, work, or the military sooner.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.08/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.08/This section was repealed by the 2013 education legislation. It is no longer active law, and the citation shown reflects the session law that removed or renumbered it. The subject matter has been reorganized into other active sections of chapter 120B.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.09/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.09/This section was repealed by the 2013 education legislation. It is no longer active law, and the citation shown reflects the session law that removed or renumbered it. The subject matter has been reorganized into other active sections of chapter 120B.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.10/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.10/This section states the legislature’s finding that school districts and communities need a clear process to plan, provide, and improve classroom instruction and curriculum in light of the state’s graduation standards. School boards should use evaluation results to improve teaching, close gaps, and work together with families, agencies, and other organizations. The legislature sees a strong public education strategy as central to every district’s work.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.101/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.101/This section protects teachers and principals from being disciplined for including contributions of people from protected classes in their curriculum, as long as the content is aligned with state academic standards. Schools cannot punish educators simply because they teach about the history, art, science, or achievements of people who belong to a federally or state protected group.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.11/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.11/This section requires every school district to adopt a long-term strategic plan for improving teaching, curriculum, and student achievement, with a focus on closing the academic achievement gap for all racial, ethnic, and income groups. Each school board must establish an advisory committee that includes teachers, parents, students, and community members, and each school must have a site team. Districts must hold annual public meetings to review student achievement goals and publish a report on their progress.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.1117/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.1117/This section has been renumbered and its content now appears at section 120B.118, which is titled the Read Act. The renumbering reflects a reorganization of Minnesota’s literacy and reading instruction statutes. Current law on this topic should be found at section 120B.118.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.1118/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.1118/This section has been renumbered and its content now appears at section 120B.119, which contains the Read Act definitions. The renumbering reflects a reorganization of Minnesota’s literacy instruction statutes. Current law on this topic should be found at section 120B.119.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.113/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.113/This section creates a grant program for school districts and charter schools to close educational opportunity gaps faced by students of color and American Indian students. Grants support collaborative efforts to change curriculum, school climate, and structural policies that create inequitable learning conditions. Grant recipients must report annually on their efforts and impact.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.115/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.115/This section establishes regional centers of excellence to help school districts, charter schools, and school sites use research-based practices to raise student achievement. The centers partner with service cooperatives, colleges, mental health providers, and other local groups to deliver consistent support across a region. Centers focus on evidence-based teaching, culturally responsive instruction, closing the achievement gap, and improving graduation rates.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.117/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.117/This section sets a goal for Minnesota to increase the percentage of teachers who are people of color or American Indian by at least two percentage points per year, aiming to better reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of students by 2040. The Department of Education must collaborate with the licensing board and higher education to publish an annual report tracking state-funded programs that work toward this goal. This goal is part of a broader effort to close achievement gaps and ensure all students have access to effective, diverse teachers.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.118/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.118/This section establishes the title and policy of the Read Act — the Reading to Ensure Academic Development Act — which governs how Minnesota public schools must teach children to read. The Read Act requires schools to use curricula, materials, instructional practices, and teacher training that align with the science of reading. The goal is to promote foundational literacy skills and grade-level reading proficiency for all students.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.119/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.119/This section defines the key terms used throughout the Read Act, Minnesota’s foundational literacy law. Definitions include structured literacy, phonemic awareness, phonics, evidence-based instruction, fluency, reading comprehension, vocabulary development, dyslexia, and the multi-tiered system of support (MTSS). The section also defines what is NOT evidence-based — specifically the three-cueing (MSV) approach to reading instruction.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.12/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.12/This section, titled the Read Act Goal and Interventions, sets Minnesota’s core literacy goal: every child reading at or above grade level beginning in kindergarten. Districts must screen all students in kindergarten through grade 3 three times per year using approved tools, provide targeted reading interventions for students who fall behind, and adopt a local literacy plan submitted annually to the commissioner by June 15. Teachers must receive approved evidence-based literacy training, and all interventions must be evidence-based starting in the 2026-2027 school year.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.121/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.121/This section establishes a research-based early childhood literacy program for children in Head Start, designed to improve early reading skills through active parent involvement, professional staff development, and high-quality early literacy standards. Program providers must offer a culturally relevant, literacy-rich classroom environment and use ongoing data-based assessments to guide instruction. Programs may also partner with schools to extend literacy support from preschool through grade 3.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.122/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.122/This section requires the Minnesota Department of Education to employ a dyslexia specialist who provides technical assistance to schools on dyslexia and related reading disorders. The specialist serves as the primary source of support for teachers and administrators working with students who have dyslexia, helps improve professional awareness, and makes recommendations consistent with the Read Act. The specialist must be highly trained in evidence-based, multisensory, structured literacy interventions.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.123/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.123/This section sets out the specific implementation requirements for the Read Act, including mandatory reading screeners three times per year for students in kindergarten through grade 3, progress monitoring for students not reading at grade level, and a requirement that all new literacy curriculum be evidence-based. Districts must provide structured literacy training to teachers in phases by July 2026 and 2027, and must employ a literacy lead by August 30, 2025. The Department of Education must approve all screeners, curricula, and training programs used by districts.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.124/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.124/This section created a two-year partnership between the Department of Education and the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) at the University of Minnesota, running from July 2023 to August 2025, to support Read Act implementation. The partnership’s tasks included identifying approved literacy curricula, professional development programs, intervention materials, and developing a literacy lead training program. After the partnership ends, the Department continues to approve materials and support districts independently.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.125/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.125/This section requires school districts to help every student develop a personal learning plan by no later than grade 9. The plan must help students explore career and college interests, set goals with timelines, identify needed supports, and stay on track for graduation without needing college remediation. Plans must be reviewed and updated at least annually by the student, parent or guardian, and the school. Students with an IEP that meets these requirements do not need a separate plan.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.126/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.126/This section directs the commissioner of education to work with the commissioner of labor and industry to include construction and skilled trades careers in counseling for middle and high school students. Career guidance should highlight high-growth, in-demand skilled trades and explain different career paths, typical salaries, and the credentials or training employers look for. The goal is to make sure students know about good-paying career options that do not require a four-year college degree.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.128/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.128/This section was repealed by the 2015 education legislation. It is no longer active law, and the citation shown reflects the session law that removed or renumbered it. The subject matter has been reorganized into other active sections of chapter 120B.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.13/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.13/This section supports Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs in Minnesota high schools by funding teacher training, year-round teacher support programs, and student exam fees. The state must pay all AP and IB exam fees for students from low-income families and may pay a portion for other students. Minnesota State colleges and universities must award college credit to high school students who score 3 or higher on an AP exam or 4 or higher on an IB exam.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.131/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.131/This section governs the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), which allows high school students to earn college credit by passing exams in college-level subjects. Schools must inform students about CLEP opportunities when they complete college-level coursework. The state may reimburse up to six exam fees per student, with priority given to students from low-income families. Minnesota State colleges and universities must award credit for satisfactory CLEP scores.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.132/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.132/This section establishes a competitive grant program to help school districts and charter schools expand Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. Grants of up to $75,000 are available to schools that increase access to rigorous coursework, especially for low-income and disadvantaged students. Schools must develop a three-year plan approved by their school board and report annual data on student participation and achievement. Priority is given to programs expanding AP computer science principles.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.14/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.14/This section requires school districts to give academic credit to students who successfully complete accelerated or advanced courses offered by higher education institutions or nonprofit public agencies, and then pass an approved exam. The credits must count toward graduation requirements, just like courses taken within the district. If a student and district disagree on how many credits should be awarded, the student can appeal to the commissioner, whose decision is final.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.15/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.15/This section requires school districts to identify gifted and talented students using multiple objective criteria and provide them with challenging educational programs and services. Districts must adopt guidelines for identifying students fairly, with sensitivity to underrepresented groups such as low-income students, English learners, and minority students. Districts must also have procedures for academic acceleration and for early admission to kindergarten or first grade for gifted learners.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.16/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.16/This short section states that a student who satisfactorily completes a high school course must receive secondary course credit, and that credit must count toward the student’s graduation requirements. No additional conditions can be placed on whether credit is awarded as long as the student satisfactorily completed the course.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.18/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.18/This section provides that completing American Sign Language (ASL) courses in a public school must be given the same academic standing as completing any other world language course. Schools cannot treat ASL as a lesser language or deny it the same credit value as spoken foreign languages.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.19/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.19/This section was repealed by the 2014 education legislation. It is no longer active law, and the citation shown reflects the session law that removed or renumbered it. The subject matter has been reorganized into other active sections of chapter 120B.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.20/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.20/This section requires every school district to have a procedure allowing parents, guardians, or adult students to review the content of instructional materials before they are provided to students. If someone objects to the content, the school must make reasonable arrangements for alternative instruction. The school board does not have to pay for parent-provided alternatives, and students cannot be penalized for participating in alternative instruction — though schools may still grade the work the student does.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.21/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.21/Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, school districts and charter schools must provide mental health instruction for students in grades 4 through 12, integrated into existing programs and aligned with local health standards. The commissioner must provide schools with age-appropriate model learning activities and a directory of resources every two years. Schools that offer suicide or self-harm prevention instruction must use either the commissioner’s resources or other evidence-based programs.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.213/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.213/This section encourages — but does not require — school districts and charter schools to provide instruction on healthy aging and dementia to students in grades 6 through 12. Any instruction should align with applicable health standards and be integrated into existing programs or curriculum. This provision was enacted in 2025 as part of broader school health education initiatives.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.215/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.215/Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, every school district and charter school must have a comprehensive education program on cannabis use and substance use for middle and high school students. The program must cover health effects, unsafe behaviors, signs of substance use disorders, treatment options, healthy coping strategies, and overdose prevention. Parents and adult students have the right to review these materials and opt out, with no academic penalty. Schools may also create student youth councils for peer-to-peer substance use education.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.22/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.22/This section encourages school districts to integrate violence prevention programs into their existing K-12 curriculum. A strong program should teach nonviolent conflict resolution, personal safety, how to prevent harassment and hazing, and how to identify and respond to child abuse. Districts are also encouraged to provide staff training on mandatory reporting and responding to disclosures of abuse. The commissioner can assist any district that requests help developing a program, and districts may accept public and private funding for these efforts.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.23/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.23/This section establishes a state grant program to help school districts develop and continue violence prevention education programs for students in kindergarten through grade 12. Eligible applicants must describe how they will integrate violence prevention into existing curriculum, collaborate with local organizations, and reflect the characteristics of the students and community they serve. Grant amounts cannot exceed three dollars per resident pupil unit in the district. Schools may also accept private funds for child sexual abuse prevention programs under this section.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.232/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.232/This section encourages school districts to integrate character education into existing curriculum and programs, covering qualities like truthfulness, self-discipline, patience, respect for others, and peacemaking. Character education is described as a shared responsibility of parents, teachers, and the community. Programs may include a voluntary element based on the history and values of Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. Teachers who complete approved character development training may receive continuing education credit.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.233/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.233/This section was repealed by the 2007 education legislation. It is no longer active law, and the citation shown reflects the session law that removed or renumbered it. The subject matter has been reorganized into other active sections of chapter 120B.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.234/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.234/This section, known as Erin’s Law, encourages school districts to include instruction on child sexual abuse prevention for students and training for all school personnel on recognizing and preventing sexual abuse and sexual violence. Districts may consult federal and state agencies and community organizations to identify research-based curricula. This instruction works alongside mandatory reporting training, the teacher code of ethics, and inter-agency coordination to protect children from sexual violence.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.235/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.235/This section requires school districts to allow grade-appropriate instruction where students can read and study America’s founding documents, including documents related to limited government, the Bill of Rights, the free-market economic system, and patriotism. Districts are also prohibited from censoring or blocking instruction in American or Minnesota history and heritage just because original source documents, speeches, or records contain religious references.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.236/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.236/This section requires school districts to provide at least one hands-on CPR and AED instruction session to all students in grades 7 through 12, beginning with the 2014-2015 school year. Training must follow American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or nationally recognized evidence-based guidelines and must include hands-on practice — not just classroom instruction. Certification is not required as an outcome. School administrators may waive the requirement for transfer students, absent students, or students with disabilities.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.238/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.238/This section, called the Vaping Awareness and Prevention Act, requires public schools to provide vaping prevention instruction at least once to students in grades 6 through 8. Schools may use the Department of Health’s e-cigarette toolkit or other smoking prevention materials focused on vaping and electronic delivery devices. Vaping prevention instruction for grades 9 through 12 is strongly encouraged but not required. The commissioner of education must include questions about tobacco use and vaping in the Minnesota student survey.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.24/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.24/This section was repealed by the 2014 education legislation. It is no longer active law, and the citation shown reflects the session law that removed or renumbered it. The subject matter has been reorganized into other active sections of chapter 120B.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.241/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.241/This section establishes a statewide Computer Science Education Advancement Program requiring the Department of Education to employ a computer science supervisor, create a working group to develop a strategic plan for K-12 computer science education, fund teacher training programs, and collect data on course offerings and enrollment. The program aims to expand access to computer science education for all Minnesota students, with a focus on schools and student groups that are currently underserved. Starting July 1, 2027, all teacher preparation programs must include computer science instruction as part of their curriculum.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.25/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.25/This section provides the legal definition of ’ethnic studies’ for use throughout chapter 120B. Ethnic studies means the interdisciplinary study of race, ethnicity, and indigeneity, focusing on the experiences and perspectives of people of color in and beyond the United States. The definition includes analysis of how race and racism have shaped society, culture, and politics, and how race connects to other forms of inequality based on protected class status.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.251/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.251/Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, every district and charter school high school must offer at least one ethnic studies course. Elementary and middle schools must provide ethnic studies instruction by the 2027-2028 school year, consistent with state academic standards. Ethnic studies courses may fulfill social studies, language arts, arts, math, science, or elective credits if they meet applicable standards. The Department of Education must hire dedicated ethnic studies staff to support district implementation, teacher training, and annual evaluation of the program’s effectiveness.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.252/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.252/Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, school districts must offer middle and high school social studies curriculum that includes education on the Holocaust, the genocide of Indigenous Peoples (including the Dakota, Ojibwe, and Ho-Chunk in Minnesota), and other genocides and mass violence. The curriculum must examine the history and causes of these events, how they connect to fascism and nationalism, and how individuals and societies have responded. This section was enacted in 2023 and aligns with statewide social studies standards.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.299/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.299/This section was repealed by the 2019 education legislation. It is no longer active law, and the citation shown reflects the session law that removed or renumbered it. The subject matter has been reorganized into other active sections of chapter 120B.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.30/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.30/This section sets out the general requirements for Minnesota’s statewide assessment system, including the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs). It governs the testing process, test administration contracting, parental access to test materials, accommodations for students with disabilities and English learners, and rules for suspending tests due to disruptions. Students who achieve career and college readiness on high school assessments are encouraged to take college credit-bearing courses. The commissioner establishes the testing calendar and must publish it at least two years in advance.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.301/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.301/This section has been renumbered and its content now appears at section 120B.306, subdivision 1, which governs district assessment requirements including testing time limits and assessment calendars. The renumbering reflects a reorganization of Minnesota’s student assessment statutes. Current law on this topic should be found at section 120B.306.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.302/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.302/This section governs how the state designs its academic assessments. The commissioner must develop computer-adaptive reading and math tests for grades 3-8, and aligned high school tests in reading and math. Science assessments are required in at least one grade in each grade band (3-5, 6-8, and 9-12), but students do not need a passing science score to graduate. The state must not develop statewide assessments for social studies, health, physical education, or the arts.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.303/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.303/This section sets the graduation requirements related to state assessments for students who enrolled in grade 8 during the 2012-2013 school year or later. To graduate, students must demonstrate achievement and career and college readiness in math, reading, and writing through statewide assessments. Students must also engage in age-appropriate career exploration and planning activities to help them and their families develop a postsecondary transition plan. Students with IEPs may meet graduation requirements through alternative assessments approved by the state.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.304/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.304/This section has been renumbered and its content now appears at section 120B.306, subdivision 2, which governs the district assessment committee requirements. The renumbering reflects a reorganization of Minnesota’s student assessment statutes. Current law on this topic should be found at section 120B.306.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.305/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.305/This section governs how Minnesota state assessment results must be reported. Reports must provide timely, useful, and understandable information on the performance of individual students, schools, districts, and the state as a whole. Reporting must also comply with the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act’s requirements. The section establishes requirements for how assessment data is communicated to parents, educators, policymakers, and the public.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.306/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.306/This section limits the total time students spend taking locally-required district tests to 10 hours per year for grades 1-6 and 11 hours per year for grades 7-12, not counting state-required or AP/IB exams. Districts must post a public calendar of all standardized tests on their website before testing begins, with a rationale for each test and whether it is locally chosen or state/federally required. Districts without a teacher-board agreement on assessments must establish a committee with equal teacher and administrator representation plus at least one parent to advise on assessment decisions.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.307/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.307/This section defines ‘career and college ready’ for Minnesota accountability purposes: a graduate who can successfully pursue career pathways or complete postsecondary coursework without needing remediation. The section requires that expectations for career and college readiness be equal in rigor and clarity for all students. It also addresses how readiness standards apply to adult basic education students and English learners, and how college readiness benchmarks connect to exemption from remedial college courses.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.31/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.31/This section requires the Department of Education to build and maintain a coordinated, comprehensive system of educational accountability and public reporting that promotes academic achievement, higher education preparation, workforce readiness, citizenship, and the arts. The commissioner uses student data broken down by race, ethnicity, home language, English learner status, poverty, homelessness, and other categories to report on educational outcomes. Parents and teachers must receive annual written summaries of their student’s current and past performance on state academic standards.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.35/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.35/This section requires the commissioner to develop and operate a system for measuring and reporting student academic achievement and individual growth over time. The system must separately measure federal expectations, school-level achievement, and individual student growth. Data must be disaggregated by race, ethnicity, language, poverty, English learner status, foster care status, and other categories. The commissioner must also report each year on two core high school graduation measures: how many students completed college-prep coursework, and how many succeeded in rigorous courses like AP, IB, or PSEO.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.36/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.36/This section requires the commissioner of education to create and annually update school performance reports for every school and district in Minnesota, covering student achievement, academic progress, school safety, rigorous course-taking, career and college readiness, English learner progress, and demographic data. Performance data is nonpublic until officially released, typically by September 1. Districts must provide parents with sufficiently detailed data to exercise their rights under federal education law, and schools may appeal their performance results to the commissioner.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.362/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.362/This section was repealed by the 2009 education legislation. It is no longer active law, and the citation shown reflects the session law that removed or renumbered it. The subject matter has been reorganized into other active sections of chapter 120B.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.363/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.363/This section requires the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board to adopt rules creating a statewide credential for education paraprofessionals who assist licensed teachers with student instruction. A credentialed paraprofessional is considered highly qualified under federal law. All new paraprofessionals must receive mandatory initial training within their first 60 days covering emergency procedures, confidentiality, vulnerability, reporting obligations, district discipline policies, roles and responsibilities, and a building orientation.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.365/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.365/This section was repealed by the 2017 education legislation. It is no longer active law, and the citation shown reflects the session law that removed or renumbered it. The subject matter has been reorganized into other active sections of chapter 120B.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.38/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.38/This section was repealed by the 1998 education legislation. It is no longer active law, and the citation shown reflects the session law that removed or renumbered it. The subject matter has been reorganized into other active sections of chapter 120B.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.39/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-120b/120b.39/This section was repealed by the 2009 education legislation. It is no longer active law, and the citation shown reflects the session law that removed or renumbered it. The subject matter has been reorganized into other active sections of chapter 120B.