Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to enhance educational environments in Minnesota by making relationship-building and deescalation training available to all school personnel. This initiative seeks to create safer, more inclusive school settings and improve the overall school climate.

Main Provisions

• Annual Training Access: All personnel in Minnesota public, private, and charter schools—such as teachers and staff—must have access to yearly training focused on building relationships and deescalating conflicts.
• Voluntary Participation: While encouraged, participation in the training is not mandatory. Schools are urged to include the training in their existing professional development schedules.
• Funding Opportunities: Schools that implement these training programs might receive priority for state professional development aid if their programs meet specific criteria established by the state.

Training Components

• Relationship-Building: Training includes skills for enhancing interactions with students and families, fostering positive school culture, and promoting mutual respect and inclusion within school communities.
• Deescalation Strategies: Training covers understanding and handling conflict situations, with emphasis on relational and restorative approaches rather than punitive discipline.

Appropriation

• A designated amount from the general fund is set to be appropriated for the fiscal year 2026, providing financial assistance to school districts and charter schools to establish these training programs.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new requirement for schools to have accessible training on deescalation strategies and relationship-building, aiming to institutionalize these practices within professional development for educators and staff.

Relevant Terms

• Relationship-building
• Deescalation training
• Inclusive environments
• School culture
• Professional development
• Restorative approaches
• Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports