Section 2 amends the developmental screening program to require referrals to appropriate resources when potential problems are identified. This section also adds a new paragraph (f) requiring the district to develop and implement community outreach plans to diverse populations to ensure that children are screened by age three. Districts are encouraged to include parents, community partners, and others in the development of the outreach plans.

Section 3 establishes the school readiness kindergarten assessment initiative.

Subdivision 1 requires the Commissioner of Education to establish a system for assessing the school readiness of children entering kindergarten, building on the two readiness studies conducted by the department in 2002 and 2003. The commissioner shall set biennial milestones for progress in the number of children reaching proficiency on all measures of the assessment.

Subdivision 2 implements the school readiness kindergarten assessment initiative in all school districts on a voluntary basis over a five-year period. Results of the assessment must be included in the annual school performance report cards.

Subdivision 3 requires the commissioner to evaluate the effectiveness of the data gathering system for implementing developmental assessments at kindergarten entrance on a school-by-school basis. The commissioner shall also report to the Senate and House of Representatives on the progress toward reaching the milestones in odd years beginning in 2007.

Section 4 appropriates money for purposes of sections 1 to 3.

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