Bill > H748

This bill modifies existing Massachusetts education law to require school administrators to prioritize alternatives to student suspension or expulsion. Specifically, before removing a student from school, administrators must first attempt and document alternative remedies designed to re-engage the student in learning, such as mediation, conflict resolution, restorative justice, and collaborative problem-solving. The bill mandates that principals, headmasters, and superintendents consider ways to keep students in school and only suspend or expel a student after proving that alternative approaches are unsuitable or ineffective. Exceptions are made only in cases where a student's continued presence would pose a documented risk of serious bodily injury to others or cause significant disruption to the learning environment. Additionally, the bill requires schools to implement broader models for student re-engagement, including positive behavioral intervention strategies and trauma-sensitive learning approaches. These provisions aim to create a more supportive and rehabilitative school disciplinary process that focuses on addressing underlying issues rather than simply removing students from educational settings.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H748