Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to modify existing requirements for safe and supportive schools in Minnesota. It emphasizes the need to provide programmatic instruction to help students handle prohibited conduct and improve school climate.

Main Provisions

• Safe and Supportive Schools Initiative: The bill mandates that Minnesota districts and schools must provide age-appropriate instruction to assist students in identifying, preventing, and reducing prohibited behaviors.
• Diversity and Conflict Resolution: Schools are required to include lessons that value diversity, teach problem-solving, conflict management, and civil discourse amongst students.
• Prevention Programs: Schools must implement strategies that utilize evidence-based social-emotional learning to lessen discrimination and improper conduct.
• Community and Parental Involvement: Schools are encouraged to partner with parents and the community to create and implement prevention and intervention programs.
• Student Engagement: All students should be actively engaged in efforts to create a safe school environment. Schools should train students to recognize and report harmful behaviors and teach them to advocate for themselves and others.
• Avoidance of Misclassification: The bill aims to prevent inappropriate referrals to special education for students who might exhibit prohibited conduct.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• From Encouragement to Requirement: Previously, schools were encouraged to provide certain programs and training; now, they are required to do so.
• Focus on Evidence-Based Learning: Emphasizes the use of evidence-based social-emotional learning as a strategy to address school climate issues.

Relevant Terms

safe and supportive schools, prohibited conduct, diversity education, social-emotional learning, school climate, conflict management, student engagement, discrimination prevention, parental partnership, community engagement.