HF 877 Minnesota House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Read Act amended, and appropriations cancelled.

HF 877 amends Minnesota's Read Act to define "evidence-based" reading instruction as science-based, explicitly excluding the three-cueing system. It requires school districts to use approved literacy screeners and intervention models, and mandates the Department of Education to develop a literacy plan template and approve evidence-based intervention models by June 2025. The bill also cancels specific appropriations related to Read Act implementation. These changes take effect July 1, 2025, directly affecting Minnesota public schools, educators, and literacy programs.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 17, 2025 Last action Mar 10, 2025

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What changed between versions

Introduction → 1st Engrossment · 6 edits · Mar 10, 2025

MODERATE

This bill updates the Read Act to require districts to provide evidence-based reading training to teachers and staff by July 2026 and 2027, with specific exemptions for unionized teachers. It also mandates that teacher preparation programs include instruction on the science of reading and dyslexia, and requires the state to conduct audits of these programs. The effective date for most new requirements was changed from July 1, 2025, to the day following final enactment.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of required training to include special education teachers, curriculum directors, and literacy material selectors, and adds new requirements for teacher preparation programs regarding dyslexia and the science of reading.

TIMELINE

The effective date for most new statutory sections was changed from July 1, 2025, to the day following final enactment.

REQUIREMENT

Districts must provide evidence-based reading training to a broader range of staff, including special education teachers and curriculum directors, by July 1, 2026.

Teacher preparation programs must now include specific instruction on the science of reading, dyslexia, and how to use students' native languages for English learners.

The state must conduct an audit of teacher training programs to evaluate their alignment with reading standards and the science of reading.

The requirement for districts to reduce instructional hours to provide training was modified to apply only to the 2024-2025 school year and includes specific provisions for charter schools without exclusive teacher representatives.

The department must post the rubric used to evaluate curriculum on its website.

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Full legislative history

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Key actions

Committee

Mar 10, 2025

Lower · Passed

Committee report, to adopt as amended and re-refer to Education Finance

lower

Feb 17, 2025

Introduced

Introduction and first reading, referred to Education Policy

lower

1 primary · 6 co-sponsors