Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to modify the rules around the use of recess detention in Minnesota schools. Its primary focus is to limit the circumstances under which students can be denied recess as a form of discipline and to ensure proper communication and data gathering regarding the use of such disciplinary actions.

Main Provisions

• Definition of Recess Detention: Recess detention is defined as excluding or delaying a student's participation in recess as a punishment. This does not include allowing students to choose an alternative recess.
• Encouragement of Structured Breaks: Schools are encouraged to ensure students have access to breaks from school demands and to support staff in using discipline methods that do not involve exclusion from recess.
• Conditions for Recess Detention:
  • Recess detention can only be used if a student poses or is likely to pose a serious physical threat to others.
  • Parents or guardians must be notified and give consent for the use of recess detention.
  • For students receiving special education, withholding recess must be approved based on the student’s individualized education program (IEP).
• Prohibition on Withholding Recess for Incomplete Work: Students cannot be denied recess for incomplete schoolwork unless an academic intervention occurs during the missed recess time.
• Parent Notification Requirement: Schools must make a reasonable attempt to notify parents or guardians within 24 hours of using recess detention.
• Data Compilation and Transparency: Schools must collect data on each instance of recess detention, including details such as the student’s age, grade, gender, race, and special education status. This data should be made public upon request and used for professional development to promote non-exclusionary discipline.
• Mealtime Clause: Schools are prohibited from withholding or excessively delaying a student’s mealtime, preserving responsibilities under existing laws.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill introduces stricter conditions and limitations on the use of recess detention as a disciplinary measure.
• It mandates parental notification and requires schools to compile and make data on recess detentions publicly available, encouraging its use in staff training to discourage exclusionary discipline practices.

Relevant Terms

recess detention, discipline, exclusionary discipline, student behavior, special education, parent notification, school data collection, non-exclusionary discipline, mealtime regulations