Connecticut Senate Bill SB00781

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/15
• Refer: 1/23/15

Caption

An Act Prohibiting Out-of-school Suspensions For Students Under The Age Of Eight.

Impact

The enactment of SB00781 would amend subsection (g) of section 10-233c of the general statutes. This change would advocate for a shift in disciplinary practices within public education by preventing schools from suspending young students from their educational environment. The implications of this legislation extend to how schools manage discipline, particularly for its youngest students, promoting a more supportive approach that focuses on behavioral interventions rather than exclusion.

Summary

SB00781 is a legislative proposal aimed at prohibiting out-of-school suspensions for students who are under the age of eight. This bill specifically targets children enrolled in public preschool programs and those in public elementary schools. The primary goal of the legislation is to protect young children from punitive measures that can disrupt their educational experience and overall development. By eliminating this disciplinary approach, the bill advocates for alternative methods of addressing behavioral issues in early education settings.

Contention

While the bill's supporters argue that suspending young children can have detrimental effects on their learning and emotional health, there may be concerns from educators and policymakers regarding how to handle disruptive behavior without suspensions. Critics of the bill may raise the issue of how schools will manage classroom behavior effectively while ensuring a conducive learning environment without the option of suspension. The discussion surrounding this bill may evoke debates on educational best practices and child psychology.