Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to amend existing education law in Minnesota to modify procedures around recess detention, emphasizing less exclusionary disciplinary methods in schools.

Main Provisions

• Definition of Recess Detention: Recess detention is defined as excluding or delaying a student from a scheduled recess as punishment for behavior. It explicitly does not include alternative recess choices made by the student.

• Limiting Recess Detention:

  • Recess detention can only be used if a student poses a risk of serious physical harm to others, or if consent is given by a parent or guardian informed in a timely manner.
  • For students in special education, the decision must be made by the student's individualized education program (IEP) team based on the student's specific needs.

• Incompletion of Schoolwork: Recess cannot be withheld for incomplete schoolwork unless an academic intervention takes place during the recess period.

• Parental Notification: Schools must attempt to notify a parent or guardian within 24 hours if recess detention is used.

• Data Collection: Schools are required to collect and publicize data on recess detentions, including demographics and special education status, at the end of each school year to promote non-exclusionary discipline strategies in professional development.

• Mealtime Protection: Schools are prohibited from withholding or delaying a student's participation in scheduled meal times.

Significant Changes

The bill introduces stricter conditions under which recess detention can be applied and mandates increased transparency and accountability by requiring data collection and parental notification. It promotes non-exclusionary discipline methods over traditional exclusionary practices.

Relevant Terms

• Recess detention
• Exclusionary discipline
• Evidence-based approaches
• Special education services
• Individualized education program (IEP)
• Academic intervention
• Non-exclusionary discipline