Changes provisions governing the suspension of students from public schools
Impact
The bill mandates that the school accountability report cards include a range of statistics concerning student discipline, such as the number of in-school and out-of-school suspensions, expulsions, demographic details of removed students, and the alternative interventions attempted prior to removal. This measure is positioned to enhance transparency and accountability within public schools regarding their disciplinary practices. The focus on detailed reporting aims to shed light on the factors leading to disciplinary actions, as well as the outcomes of students who face such consequences.
Summary
House Bill 2533 seeks to amend existing laws regarding the disciplinary removal of public school students in Missouri. The proposal aims to replace sections 160.522 and 167.161 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri with new sections that introduce stricter documentation and reporting requirements for disciplinary actions taken against students. Beginning July 1, 2023, schools and charter schools would be required to document each instance of disciplinary removal and report this information annually to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB2533 involve its implications for students, especially those with disabilities, and the adequacy of the measures for alternative discipline interventions. Critics of the bill express concerns that it could disproportionately impact marginalized student populations, as the data collected may reflect existing biases in disciplinary actions. In addition, there are apprehensions regarding whether the mandated reporting will yield meaningful changes in school discipline practices or merely fulfill administrative requirements without addressing underlying issues of student behavior and supports. Furthermore, questions arise around the adequacy of support systems for schools to implement restorative justice and behavioral interventions effectively.