HF 2377

as introduced - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026) Posted on 03/25/2025 09:30am

A bill for an act
relating to education; requiring access to relationship-building and de-escalation
training in schools; appropriating money; 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.036] SCHOOL DE-ESCALATION TRAINING.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Annual training opportunity. new text end

new text begin (a) All school personnel in Minnesota
public, private, and charter schools, including teachers, administrators, building staff, and
support staff, must have access to annual training on creating safe and inclusive environments
using evidence-based best practices on relationship-building and de-escalation strategies.
School personnel are encouraged but not required to complete the training. Schools are
encouraged to integrate the training into existing professional development programs and
schedules to maximize accessibility. Schools that implement the training may be eligible
for priority consideration for state professional development aid and other funding
opportunities, provided the training meets state-established requirements.
new text end

new text begin (b) The training must equip school personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary
to foster a positive school culture, prevent conflicts, and appropriately respond to escalated
situations. Schools are encouraged to adopt policies that support widespread participation
and ensure that all staff have access to ongoing learning on relationship-building and
de-escalation strategies.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Recommended training components. new text end

new text begin (a) Training on relationship-building
may include but is not limited to the following components:
new text end

new text begin (1) professional learning to develop relational skills that strengthen positive interactions
with students, families, and colleagues;
new text end

new text begin (2) the role of positive relationships in student academic and social-emotional success;
new text end

new text begin (3) strategies to cultivate a positive school culture that is inclusive of family and
community engagement;
new text end

new text begin (4) commitment to fostering mutual respect, inclusion, and belonging among students
and staff;
new text end

new text begin (5) effective communication practices that emphasize open, honest, and culturally
responsive engagement;
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new text begin (6) co-construction of school vision and mission in collaboration with families and the
broader school community;
new text end

new text begin (7) policies and practices that align with the diverse needs of the student population;
and
new text end

new text begin (8) school discipline practices that prioritize restorative approaches and learning
opportunities over punitive measures.
new text end

new text begin (b) Training on de-escalation strategies may include but is not limited to the following
components:
new text end

new text begin (1) an understanding of Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports in the school setting;
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new text begin (2) training on self-regulation; and
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new text begin (3) training on the phases of escalation including prevention, escalation, agitation,
acceleration, crisis, and recovery or restoration.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin $....... in fiscal year 2026 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of
education to provide grants to school districts, charter schools, and cooperative units to
support the implementation of school personnel relationship-building and de-escalation
training programs under section 121A.036.
new text end