Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that limits out-of-school suspensions and expulsions for students in kindergarten to third grade.

Highlights:

• Prohibits an expulsion or out of school suspension that exceeds 10 days for any student in grades pre-kindergarten through third grade unless the individual student threatens the safety or well being of other students or staff (Sec. 1).

• Requires a principal to consult with a mental health professional under contract with the district prior to suspension or expulsion of any student in grades pre-kindergarten through third grade if the events leading up to the suspension or expulsion indicate a need for additional mental health services (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that nothing in this act will be construed to limit the authority of a school or school district to issue an in-school suspension to a student in any pre-kindergarten through third grade level so long as the in-school suspension is served in a supervised learning environment (Sec. 1).

• Requires the school district board allow a student issued an in-school suspension be permitted to complete any classroom assignments missed because of the suspension (Sec. 1).

• Requires that 90 days after the effective date of this act, the state school board shall amend or update the Ohio Administrative Code to reflect the requirements of this section, including, but not limited to (Sec. 1):

• A positive behavior intervention and supports framework on a statewide level; or

• A report by the department of education or the general assembly on the implementation of a positive behavior intervention and supports framework.

• Establishes that the Department of Education will oversee each positive behavioral intervention and supports framework, which shall cover the following, including, but not limited to (Sec. 1):

• A comprehensive school-wide data systems that enable monitoring of academic progress, behavioral incidents, and attendance;

• School-wide investment in evidence-based curriculum and effective instructional strategies matched to a student’s needs;

• Improvements in staff climate and culture regarding the role of discipline in classrooms; and

• An expectation from school administrators that classroom practices be linked and aligned with the school-wide system.

• Defines “positive behavioral intervention and supports framework” as a multi-tiered, school-wide behavioral framework developed and implemented for the purpose of improving academic and social outcomes and increasing learning for all students (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text