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District reports progress on Minnesota Read Act implementation; Phase 2 training delayed by one year
Summary
Burnsville ISD 191 staff reported on local implementation of the Minnesota Read Act, including phase‑1 staff training, expanded screening additions for grades 2–3, and the district’s use of evidence‑aligned interventions for students with reading needs.
Burnsville Public Schools staff reported to the ISD 191 School Board on district progress implementing the Minnesota Reading to Ensure Academic Development Act (the Read Act).
Amina Aftedal, director of curriculum, instruction and assessment, described the Read Act’s three components: professional development, universal screening and assessment, and approved instructional materials aligned to the science of reading. She said 356 district staff are engaged in Phase 1 Read Act training this year and that Phase 2 training has been delayed by one year by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). Aftedal said the district expects about 75 additional staff to complete Phase 1 next year and anticipates Phase 2 participation (mostly secondary teachers) in 2026–27.
On screening, Aftedal said MDE added two subtests this year for grades 2 and 3 to identify characteristics that may indicate dyslexia; the district began that screening in winter and will continue in spring. Screening tools for grades 4 through 12 have not yet been announced by MDE. For grades 4–9 the district is using FastBridge Reading Suite as an interim screener and is using diagnostic tools and interventions such as UFLY, SPIRE, Language Live, and other proven tools for students with IEPs or reading needs.
On instructional materials, Aftedal said the Department will release a list of intervention tools aligned to the science of reading in November 2025; in the meantime the district is piloting UFLY and SPIRE for students receiving reading intervention, and special education has adopted UFLY for students served through IEPs. She emphasized that screening and the use of evidence-aligned materials are ongoing and that the district is monitoring MDE guidance.
Board members asked clarifying questions about screening at secondary grades and Phase 1 participant counts; Director Ault confirmed the district is using FastBridge and diagnostic tools in grades 4–9 and that high‑school screening began in ninth grade this year.
Context: The Read Act is a state law directing reading instruction improvements and required screening and training; the district is following MDE timelines and noted some calendar changes by the state.
