1.1                          A bill for an act 
  1.2             relating to education; providing for scholars of 
  1.3             distinction program grants; appropriating money; 
  1.4             proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, 
  1.5             chapter 120B. 
  1.6   BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 
  1.7      Section 1.  [120B.135] [SCHOLARS OF DISTINCTION PROGRAM 
  1.8   GRANTS.] 
  1.9      The commissioner shall award scholars of distinction 
  1.10  program grants to schools and school districts to nurture and 
  1.11  recognize distinguished achievement by highly motivated 
  1.12  students.  A school district or school may apply for a grant on 
  1.13  a form and in a manner prescribed by the commissioner.  The 
  1.14  grant must be used to develop a scholars of distinction program 
  1.15  in a particular subject through partnerships with other schools, 
  1.16  districts, educators, businesses, or others who know how to 
  1.17  apply complex knowledge and skills to the real world.  The 
  1.18  district or school program must be open to all students willing 
  1.19  to commit time, rigorous study, and dedication to learning the 
  1.20  subject area of the program.  The student participants must be 
  1.21  required to demonstrate mastery of complex subject matter and 
  1.22  apply their knowledge and skills on challenging projects.  A 
  1.23  notation must be made on the transcript of a student who 
  1.24  successfully completes the program that the student is a scholar 
  1.25  of distinction in a particular subject.  The department must 
  2.1   provide assistance, if requested, to a school or school district 
  2.2   developing a program. 
  2.3      Sec. 2.  [APPROPRIATION.] 
  2.4      $....... is appropriated in fiscal year 2005 from the 
  2.5   general fund to the commissioner of education for a grant to a 
  2.6   school or school district to develop a scholars of distinction 
  2.7   program in a particular subject under Minnesota Statutes, 
  2.8   section 120B.135.