Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to create a pilot program to enhance the educational experiences and outcomes for students with disabilities in Minnesota. It focuses on improving safety and accountability within educational settings and promoting inclusion for these students.

Main Provisions

• Grant Program Establishment: The Department of Education will initiate a grant program to fund the pilot program starting in the 2025-2026 school year. The objectives include improving student achievements, expanding access to general education settings, fostering positive school environments, and addressing service delivery costs.

• Collaboration and Redesign: The program will involve cooperation among students, families, community leaders, and the state's Special Education Advisory Panel. The aim is to redesign inclusion frameworks that assess performance beyond standardized test scores.

• Grantee Selection Process:

  • Proposals should include a detailed implementation timeline.
  • Plans must describe an inclusive educational model, adaptable over time.
  • Distinguish between mainstreaming and true inclusion practices.
  • Consider accessibility needs, classroom layouts, sensory accommodations, assistive technology, and transition supports.
  • Address the overrepresentation of students of color in restrictive settings.
  • Implement inclusive practices and early intervention strategies.
  • Integrate Universal Design for Learning principles.
  • Establish measurable outcomes like student achievement and engagement.
  • Provide staff training on ableism and disability inclusion.

Reports and Evaluation

• By July 1, 2026, the Department of Education must report to legislative committees on the pilot program's effectiveness, identifying best practices, cost-benefit analysis, and offering draft guidelines for inclusion models.
• A comprehensive evaluation report must follow by July 1, 2027, including final guidelines and tools to assist Individualized Education Programs in promoting disability inclusion in general education settings where feasible.

Appropriations

Funds will be appropriated from the general fund for the fiscal year 2026 to support the Department of Education in implementing this pilot program.

Significant Changes

This initiative represents a strategic shift in how educational support is delivered to students with disabilities, focusing on inclusion in mainstream education and minimizing restrictive environments.

Relevant Terms

• Pilot Program
• Students With Disabilities
• Inclusion Frameworks
• Mainstreaming
• Universal Design for Learning
• Overrepresentation
• Neurodiversity
• Trauma-informed Practices
• Ableism