Rep. Edelson and Senator Maye-Quade Comment on MDE READ Act Curriculum List

St. Paul, MN – Today, the Minnesota Department of Education released the approved curriculum list as required by the READ Act. ?The READ Act requires the Minnesota Department of Education to partner with the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement at the University of Minnesota to “identify at least five literacy curricula and supporting materials that are evidence-based and focused on structured literacy by January 1, 2024, and post a list of the curricula on the department website.” The lead authors of the READ Act, Rep. Heather Edelson (DFL - Edina) and Sen. Erin Maye Quade (DFL - Apple Valley) released the following statements:

“When we passed the READ Act in 2023 we knew that we embarked on a journey to lead the nation in comprehensive Pre-K-12 literacy instruction,” said Rep. Edelson. “Going into this we knew each curriculum would have strengths and weaknesses. This is a significant development for education in Minnesota as we work to craft the best literacy materials possible. Districts across Minnesota are reporting positive feedback on the READ Act implementation – today is a good step forward in making sure that we have the best, evidence-based materials in our public school classrooms.”
 

“Reading is the foundation of learning and a gateway to achievement, in the classroom and in life,” said Senator Maye Quade. “The READ Act is a cornerstone of our mission to make Minnesota a state  where every student can read with confidence and ease and every teacher has the best evidence-based educational tools at their fingertips. Today is the first page of the story, and I look forward to seeing the READ Act take effect and help Minnesota’s students discover the power and joy of reading.”

The department’s extensive review process was rigorous and one of the most comprehensive in the country in terms of reviewing literacy materials. The results released this afternoon are a list of five curricula that met the standards of the rubric as required by the READ Act legislation.

The rubric of required components included:

• Global (program design, professional development, intentional design for teacher usability, intentional design for student access and learning) 
• Assessment
• Phonemic awareness
• Phonics
• Vocabulary
• Fluency
• Comprehension
• Writing instruction and cultural responsiveness  

There are an additional 22 curricula that were submitted for review that require additions and or changes to meet the approved list to receive READ Act funding.

On January 24, 2024, MDE will send publishers the rubric for their specific curriculum’s feedback with areas of improvement. Publishers at that time can make changes and go through the appeals process for reconsideration set forth in the READ Act statute and details released by MDE.

Complete findings from MDE can be found here.

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