Senate Education Policy Committee
Chair Steve Cwodzinski
January 23rd, 2023
S.F. 183 – Senator Maye Quade
Dear Chair Cwodzinski and members of the Senate Education Policy Committee,
The Minnesota Council on Disability supports the passage of S.F. 183 which strongly encourages policies that require teachers and administrators to consider non-exclusionary discipline practices. Removing or excluding a student from activities such as recess or breaks can have negative effects on students, especially those with learning disabilities or those enrolled in special education.
When determining discipline, we highly encourage teachers and administrators to consider the students potential disability and how exclusionary discipline could have a negative impact on the student’s well-being. S.F. 183 considers this in line 2.7 to 2.9, stating exclusionary discipline should only be considered if a student’s IEP allows it:
(3) for students receiving special education services, the student’s individualized education program team has determined that withholding recess is appropriate based on the individualized needs of the student.
The Minnesota Council on Disabilities believes in protecting students with disabilities from inappropriate or unfair disciplinary practices, especially those that exclude a student from gaining valuable social skills.
Please support S.F. 183 and students with disabilities.
Sincerely,
Trevor Turner
Public Policy Director
Minnesota Council on Disability