Regional Offering – In Support of the Minnesota READ Act

As part of the Minnesota READ Act, the state aims to ensure every child reads at or above grade level, with targeted support for multilingual learners and students receiving special education services. To support this literacy goal, the Act mandates that instructional support staff, defined primarily as paraprofessionals working under a licensed teacher, receive training in evidence-based reading instruction approved by the Minnesota Department of Education.

The Regional Literacy Network (RLN), in partnership with the Center for Applied Research in Educational Improvement (CAREI), is offering a free, statewide Paraprofessional Structured Literacy Training.

Training Details

• Cost reduced through COMPASS & MN Read Act partnership
• 8 hours over 4 training dates
• Consistent statewide content
• Offered within our Region to meet district and school needs

Purpose

To equip paraprofessionals with practical tools and knowledge to support reading instruction in alignment with the Minnesota READ Act.

Benefits

• Promotes standardized, high-quality literacy support across districts
• Provides a sustainable foundation for paraprofessional onboarding and ongoing development
• Strengthens collaboration with licensed teachers in delivering structured literacy

Outcomes

Participants will:

• Gain skills to effectively support structured literacy instruction
• Contribute to consistent, coherent, and aligned literacy practices within their schools
• Help ensure that all students have equitable access to evidence-based reading instruction

Who Should Register?
This training is intended for instructional support staff, defined as paraprofessionals who:

1. Provide one-on-one tutoring when it does not replace teacher-led instruction, OR
2. Provide instructional support services under the direct supervision of a licensed teacher.