Early literacy field experience required for teacher candidates providing early literacy instruction, and rulemaking required.

HF 3421 requires Minnesota teacher preparation programs to provide a supervised early literacy field experience for teacher candidates who will teach early literacy, beginning with the 2027-2028 school year. The field experience must align with evidence-based reading practices, be integrated with reading instruction, and occur primarily during school hours with structured feedback. The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board must develop rules defining which teaching areas require this experience and ensuring its effective implementation. The bill also appropriates funds for this rulemaking process, effective July 1, 2026.