📅 2026 Update: Changes in Minnesota's Education Department

Since the original article was published, there have been several important updates regarding the Minnesota Department of Education. Key changes include a renaming of a major initiative and revisions to educational standards. This information is crucial for anyone interacting with the department or its services.

The earlier article continues further down the page for additional context.

📚 Renaming of the World's Best Workforce Initiative

In 2024, the Minnesota Legislature changed the name of the World's Best Workforce (WBWF) to Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness (CACR). This change took effect starting with the 2024-25 school year. This shift reflects a broader focus on preparing students not just academically, but also for civic engagement.

  • 📖 What to Expect: The CACR aims to provide strategies for improving student achievement and ensuring all students are ready for both college and careers.

🏫 Revisions to K-12 Health Standards

During the 2024-25 school year, Minnesota revised its K-12 Academic Standards in Health. This was the first update since the standards were last revised and is expected to impact how health education is taught in schools.

  • 🩺 Next Steps: A future revision is scheduled for the 2034-35 school year, which allows schools to adapt and implement the new standards effectively.

📖 Literacy and Dyslexia Screening Requirements

As of July 1, 2023, the READ Act mandates that all children in kindergarten through third grade must be screened for literacy and dyslexia. Schools are required to use approved screening tools to assess students.

  • 📊 Importance: This requirement underscores Minnesota's commitment to early identification of literacy challenges, helping to support students at a crucial stage in their education.

🏃‍♂️ Changes to Physical Education Standards

The 2024 legislative session led to the elimination of the SHAPE Standard requirement for physical education in Minnesota schools. This change is effective immediately and reflects a shift in how physical education is approached.

  • 🚴 Impact on Schools: Schools will need to adapt their physical education programs to meet new guidelines that do not include this standard.

💰 Increase in Special Education Funding

The education finance law for the 2025-2026 biennium increased special education funding by $4.2 million. This is a significant boost aimed at supporting students with special needs across Minnesota.

  • 🧩 Funding Focus: This increase will help schools provide better resources and support for special education programs, benefiting students who require additional assistance.

📌 Key Points Summary

  • 📅 CACR Initiative: The World's Best Workforce is now the Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness.
  • 🏫 Health Standards: K-12 health standards were revised, with the next update planned for 2034-35.
  • 📖 READ Act: Mandatory screening for literacy and dyslexia for K-3 students is now in effect.
  • 🏃‍♂️ PE Standards: The SHAPE Standard for physical education has been eliminated.
  • 💰 Special Education Funding: Special education funding increased by $4.2 million for the upcoming biennium.

💡 Tips for Navigating Minnesota's Education System

Reviewing your specific situation with an attorney can help clarify your options moving forward. Here are some practical tips related to the Minnesota Department of Education.

📄 Understand the READ Act Requirements

If you have children in grades K-3, familiarize yourself with the READ Act requirements. Schools must screen all students for literacy and dyslexia using approved tools. Knowing this can help you advocate for necessary support.

📚 Stay Informed on Health Standards

Keep up with the updates on K-12 health standards. Understanding the new revisions can help you support your child’s education and ensure they are receiving appropriate health education.

📞 Utilize the Department's Resources

The Minnesota Department of Education offers resources for parents and students. They provide assistance with high school equivalency records requests and due process forms for special education.

💵 Check for Funding Opportunities

If your child has special needs, be aware of the increased funding for special education. This funding can provide additional resources and support, so it’s important to ask your school about available options.

📅 Submit Forms on Time

For high school equivalency records requests and due process forms, ensure you submit required documents promptly. Though requests can be submitted at any time, processing times may vary.

📝 Know Your Rights

Understanding your rights in the education system is vital. The Minnesota Department of Education provides model forms to help navigate due process in special education. Familiarize yourself with these to better advocate for your child.

🏆 Free Options Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

No national paid services met the necessary review criteria for this topic, so this section focuses on free government and nonprofit resources available in Minnesota. Each offers vital support for those interacting with the Minnesota Department of Education.

🥇 1. Minnesota Department of Education

The Minnesota Department of Education provides a wide range of services to students and families. They assist with high school equivalency records requests and offer guidance on special education processes.

  • 🏛️ Who It Helps: This resource is beneficial for individuals seeking educational records or needing help navigating special education due process.

🥈 2. Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB)

PELSB oversees licensure applications for educators in Minnesota. They process applications within 30 days of receiving all materials, including background checks.

  • ⏳ Who It Helps: This resource is essential for educators looking to obtain or renew their teaching licenses.

🥉 3. Telecommunications Access Aid Program

The Telecommunications Access Aid Program offers funding for telecommunication and internet access in public and nonpublic schools. In fiscal year 2024, the demand totaled $7.05 million, with aid capped at $3.75 million.

  • 📞 Who It Helps: This program supports schools across Minnesota in providing necessary telecommunications access for their students.

4️⃣ High School Equivalency Records Request Assistance

The Minnesota Department of Education assists individuals with GED or HiSET records requests. They provide a straightforward process for requesting these important documents.

  • 📜 Who It Helps: This resource is useful for individuals who need their high school equivalency records for employment or further education.

5️⃣ Special Education Due Process Guidance

The Minnesota Department of Education offers model forms and guidance for due process in special education. This support assists school districts in complying with state and federal laws.

  • 📋 Who It Helps: This resource is crucial for parents and educators navigating special education requirements and processes.

🔎 What to Check Before Paying for Help

  • 🔍 Verify Credentials: Ensure the provider is legitimate and recognized.
  • ✅ Read Reviews: Look up experiences from other users.
  • 📋 Understand Fees: Know what services you are paying for.
  • 📞 Ask Questions: Contact the provider for clarity on their offerings.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness (CACR)?

The CACR is a renamed initiative that focuses on improving student achievement and civic readiness in Minnesota. It replaced the previous World's Best Workforce initiative.

📚 When will the next revision of K-12 health standards occur?

The next revision of the K-12 health standards is scheduled for the 2034-35 school year, following the recent updates made for the 2024-25 school year.

👫 How does the READ Act impact literacy education?

The READ Act mandates that all students in kindergarten through third grade be screened for literacy and dyslexia using approved tools. This aims to identify and support students needing additional help early on.

💵 How can I access special education funding?

Special education funding has been increased by $4.2 million for the 2025-2026 biennium. Parents can ask their school districts about how these funds can be utilized for their child's needs.

📞 What should I do if I need help with due process forms?

For assistance with due process forms, you can contact the Minnesota Department of Education. They offer model forms and guidance for compliance with educational laws.

🗓️ How long does it take to process licensure applications?

The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) processes licensure applications within 30 days of receiving all materials, including background check results.

⚖️ Recent Cases Related to Education

Recent court rulings have addressed various issues related to education in Minnesota, impacting how the Department of Education operates and supports students.

You can browse more recent rulings in the news section for further details on this topic: more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update






The Minnesota Department of Education administers testing and compliance programs throughout the State and provides for issues related to the funding of Minnesota located schools on the primary and secondary level. The governing authority of the Minnesota Department of Education was, as of 2010, Commissioner Alice Seagren.



She is supported by an Executive Team, comprised of Deputy Commissioner Karen Klinzing, Assistant Commissioner Lori Grivna, Communication Director Bill T. Walsh, and Government Relations Director Amy Walstien. In addition, the Minnesota Department of Education is also administered by a Board of Directors.



In order to determine the level of performance being demonstrated by individual Minnesota Department of Education districts and schools, one of the tasks of the Department is to carry out testing, including toward such officially required performance levels as the Minnesota English Language Proficiency Standards and the Minnesota Academic Standards. Students in the MN Department of Education school system are given such tests as the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA), which are provided in such various areas of academics as science and math. 

Minnesota Department of Education


The MN Department of Education website provides public access to the so-called "Report Cards" issued on the performance levels of schools. This database can be searched either via the school in question and its name or address or according to the overall Minnesota Department of Education district in which the school is located. If you need legal advice and assistance, contact Minnesota lawyers.