Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to improve educational outcomes, safety, and accountability for students with disabilities in Minnesota by establishing a pilot program. This program is designed to enhance educational practices and environments by focusing on inclusion and general education access.

Main Provisions

• Grant Program Establishment: The Department of Education will launch a grant program beginning in the 2025-2026 school year to fund the pilot program.
• Program Goals:
  1. Improve student achievement and outcomes for those with disabilities.
  2. Increase access to general education settings.
  3. Promote positive school environments.
  4. Address service delivery costs effectively.
• Collaborative Approach: The program will involve collaborations with students, families, community members, and the Special Education Advisory Panel to redesign inclusive education frameworks.

Significant Changes and Implementation

• The program will focus on creating and adapting inclusive educational models, addressing overrepresentation of students of color in restrictive settings, and prioritizing practices supportive of neurodiversity and trauma-informed approaches.
• Grantees will be selected based on proposals detailing timelines, inclusivity plans, differentiating mainstream from true inclusion models, and outlining strategies for adapting to students' needs.
• The initiative will incorporate Universal Design for Learning principles, emphasize evidence-based practices, and require training on ableism and disability inclusion for staff.
• Measurable outcomes will include student achievement, extracurricular participation, disciplinary records, and family engagement.

Reporting and Evaluation

• By July 1, 2026, an interim report will be submitted detailing the program's effectiveness, best practices, and initial guidelines for broader implementation.
• By July 1, 2027, a comprehensive evaluation report will be presented, including final best practice guidelines and assessment tools.

Appropriation

A specific sum from the state's general fund will be allocated to the Department of Education for the fiscal year 2026 to support the pilot program's implementation.

Relevant Terms

• Educational Outcomes
• Students with Disabilities
• Inclusion and Mainstreaming
• Neurodiversity and Trauma-informed Practices
• Universal Design for Learning
• Ableism and Disability Inclusion
• Special Education Advisory Panel