Read the full stored bill text
A bill for an act
relating to education; establishing a Teacher Microcredential Task Force; requiring
a report; appropriating money.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
Section 1.
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TEACHER MICROCREDENTIAL TASK FORCE.
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Subdivision 1.
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Task force established.
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A task force is established to consider the benefits
of teacher microcredentials and how microcredentials may be implemented in Minnesota.
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Subd. 2.
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Membership.
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By September 1, 2026, the executive director of the Professional
Educator Licensing and Standards Board must appoint the members of the task force, which
must include:
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(1) the executive director or executive director's designee;
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(2) two licensed teachers, including one teacher from the seven-county metropolitan
area and one teacher from outside the metropolitan area;
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(3) one representative from the Minnesota Association of Colleges for Teacher Education;
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(4) one representative from the Minnesota School Boards Association; and
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(5) one representative from the Minnesota Administrators for Special Education.
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Subd. 3.
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Duties.
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The task force must:
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(1) review the current teacher licensure process;
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(2) consider how teacher microcredentials could support teachers' professional growth
and help districts address teacher workforce needs, particularly in special education;
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(3) identify the fields in which microcredentials could best serve district and teacher
needs;
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(4) identify what statutory and administrative changes would be necessary to implement
microcredentials; and
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(5) report its findings and recommendations regarding microcredentials to the chairs
and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over
kindergarten through grade 12 education no later than February 1, 2027, consistent with the
requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 3.195.
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Subd. 4.
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Consultation and advice.
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The task force may request expert advice as necessary,
including advice from the Department of Education and organizations or government officials
from states that have implemented teacher microcredentials.
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Subd. 5.
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Administrative provisions.
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(a) The executive director of the Professional
Educator Licensing and Standards Board must convene the initial meeting of the task force
by October 15, 2026.
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(b) The task force must establish a schedule for meetings and meet as necessary to
accomplish the duties under this section. Meetings are subject to Minnesota Statutes, chapter
13D. The task force may meet by telephone or interactive technology consistent with
Minnesota Statutes, section 13D.015.
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(c) Members of the task force serve without compensation or payment of expenses.
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(d) The task force expires February 1, 2027, or upon submission of the report to the
legislature required under subdivision 3, whichever is earlier.
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EFFECTIVE DATE.
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This section is effective the day following final enactment.
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Sec. 2.
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APPROPRIATION; TEACHER MICROCREDENTIAL TASK FORCE.
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Subdivision 1.
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Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board.
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The sum
indicated in this section is appropriated from the general fund to the Professional Educator
Licensing and Standards Board in the fiscal year designated.
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Subd. 2.
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Teacher Microcredential Task Force.
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For the Teacher Microcredential Task
Force:
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$
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.......
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.....
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2027
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EFFECTIVE DATE.
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This section is effective July 1, 2026.
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