Bill > H705

This bill modifies section 37H3/4 of chapter 71 of the Massachusetts General Laws to change how school administrators handle student discipline, emphasizing alternatives to suspension or expulsion. Specifically, before removing a student from school, administrators must now consider ways to re-engage the student in learning and document their attempts to use alternative remedies such as mediation, conflict resolution, restorative justice, and collaborative problem solving. The bill requires school leaders to only suspend or expel a student after demonstrating that alternative approaches have been tried and are unsuitable, or if the student's presence poses a documented risk of serious bodily injury or significant disruption to the learning environment. Additionally, the legislation mandates that schools implement district-wide models for student re-engagement, including positive behavioral interventions and trauma-sensitive learning approaches. These models are intended to be proactive strategies for supporting students, rather than reactive responses to specific incidents, with the ultimate goal of promoting a healthier school culture and keeping students engaged in their education.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H705