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HF 1158

as introduced - 88th Legislature (2013 - 2014) Posted on 03/14/2013 04:34pm

KEY: stricken = removed, old language.
underscored = added, new language.
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A bill for an act
relating to governmental operations; establishing a school climate council and
a school climate center; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes,
chapter 121A.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [121A.07] SCHOOL CLIMATE COUNCIL.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Establishment and membership. new text end

new text begin (a) A multiagency leadership
council is established to improve school climate and school safety so that all Minnesota
students in prekindergarten through grade 12 schools and higher education institutions
are provided with safe and welcoming learning environments in order to maximize each
student's learning potential.
new text end

new text begin (b) The council shall consist of:
new text end

new text begin (1) the commissioners or their designees from the Departments of Education,
Health, Human Rights, Human Services, Public Safety, and Corrections and the Office of
Higher Education;
new text end

new text begin (2) one representative each from the Board of Teaching, Board of School
Administrators, Minnesota School Boards Association, Elementary School Principals
Association, Association of Secondary School Principals, and Education Minnesota as
selected by each organization;
new text end

new text begin (3) two representatives each for student support personnel, parents, and students as
selected by the commissioner of education;
new text end

new text begin (4) two representatives of local law enforcement as selected by the commissioner of
public safety; and
new text end

new text begin (5) two representatives of the judicial branch as selected by the chief justice of
the Supreme Court.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Duties. new text end

new text begin The council must provide leadership for the following activities:
new text end

new text begin (1) establishment of norms and standards for prevention, intervention, and support
around issues of bullying, harassment, and intimidation;
new text end

new text begin (2) advancement of evidence-based policy and best practices to improve school
climate and promote school safety; and
new text end

new text begin (3) development and dissemination of resources and training for schools and
communities about issues of bullying, harassment, and intimidation and other school
safety-related issues.
new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin [121A.08] SCHOOL CLIMATE CENTER.
new text end

new text begin A school climate center within the Department of Education established to provide
information and guidance to schools, parents, students, and communities on creating and
sustaining safe learning environments for students. The center shall:
new text end

new text begin (1) provide policy guidance to schools on improving learning environments to assure
safety and support of students;
new text end

new text begin (2) disseminate information and provide technical assistance to schools on restorative
practices and teaching strategies that decrease social-emotional impediments to learning
and support student success, including information on exemplary Minnesota school models;
new text end

new text begin (3) provide site-specific, culturally appropriate technical assistance and coaching to
schools and school districts to assist in improving school climate;
new text end

new text begin (4) serve as a contact point for schools, parents, and students seeking assistance
and guidance on information, research, laws, regulations, and state and local resources
regarding bullying, harassment, and intimidation;
new text end

new text begin (5) develop and disseminate web-based training that schools can use for staff
development;
new text end

new text begin (6) collect, interpret, and disseminate data, quantitative and qualitative, related to
school climate and student engagement; and
new text end

new text begin (7) sponsor a biennial statewide conference on school climate and safety issues.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin SCHOOL CLIMATE CENTER FIRST-YEAR PRIORITIES.
new text end

new text begin (a) During the first year of operation of the school climate center under Minnesota
Statutes, section 121A.08, the center shall focus its efforts on the following priorities:
new text end

new text begin (1) work in partnership with the Department of Public Safety school safety center
and other appropriate entities to establish and staff the school climate council under
Minnesota Statutes, section 121A.07;
new text end

new text begin (2) develop and disseminate a model bullying and intimidation prevention policy
document for schools;
new text end

new text begin (3) provide regional training and technical assistance to schools on best practices
related to ensuring a positive school climate;
new text end

new text begin (4) collaborate with other entities to establish and make accessible baseline data
related to informing and guiding the development of school climate improvement efforts;
and
new text end

new text begin (5) develop a toolkit, available through the Department of Education Web site, of
current research-based practices that promote positive learning environments and help
repair learning environments when harm occurs, including materials appropriate for use
with diverse and special needs populations.
new text end

new text begin (b) When appropriate, and consistent with federal and state data privacy laws,
data under paragraph (a), clause (4), shall be made available for analysis at population
subgroup, school site, and district, regional, and statewide levels.
new text end