Purpose

This bill clarifies how grants for education programs should set their goals. Specifically, it requires that grant applicants describe the goals of the education program and how grant funds will be used, and that those goals align with key state and federal standards.

Main provisions

• For every grant application, the applicant must include a clear statement of the goals of the education program and how the grant funds will be used.
• The stated goals must, to the extent practicable, be aligned with:
  • the state’s Worlds Best Workforce initiative focused on comprehensive achievement and civic readiness, and
  • the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) accountability systems.
• The alignment requirement applies to the goals used to justify and guide the grant, ensuring they fit both state and federal accountability frameworks.

What this bill changes

• It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 127A.20, subdivision 2, to add an explicit requirement that grant goals align with the Worlds Best Workforce and ESSA accountability systems.
• It emphasizes an evidence-based orientation by tying grant goals to recognized state and federal standards, and it specifies that alignment should be pursued “to the extent practicable.”

Potential impact and considerations

• Grant applications will need to demonstrate a clear, standards-based link between program goals and established state and federal performance benchmarks.
• This could influence how programs design their goals and report on outcomes, potentially shaping which programs receive funding.
• The “extent practicable” qualifier allows for flexibility in cases where exact alignment is challenging due to program specifics or constraints.

Relevant terms - Worlds Best Workforce - comprehensive achievement and civic readiness - Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) accountability systems - grant application - education program - grant funds - commissioner of education - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 127A.20 subdivision 2 - evidence-based education grant goals - alignment - extent practicable