Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to improve the educational environment in Minnesota schools by mandating access to training for school personnel on relationship-building and de-escalation techniques. The goal is to create safer and more inclusive schools where conflicts are effectively managed.

Main Provisions

• Training Accessibility: All school personnel, including those in public, private, and charter schools, must have access to annual training focused on relationship-building and de-escalation strategies.
• Encouraged Participation: Although the training is not mandatory, schools are encouraged to integrate it into existing professional development schedules to increase accessibility and participation.
• Eligibility for Funding: Schools that adopt the training may receive priority for state development aid and additional funding if the training meets state criteria.

Training Components

• Relationship-Building: Training may cover:

  • Developing skills for positive interactions with students, families, and colleagues.
  • The importance of positive relationships for student success both academically and socio-emotionally.
  • Strategies to foster an inclusive school culture with community engagement.
  • Policies promoting mutual respect and belonging.
  • Effective and culturally responsive communication practices.
  • Collaborative development of school vision and mission.
  • Policies that meet the diverse needs of students and focus on restorative discipline practices.

• De-escalation Strategies: Training may include:

  • Understanding Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports.
  • Techniques for self-regulation and recognizing escalation phases such as prevention and recovery.

Appropriation

• A provision is included for an appropriation in fiscal year 2026 from the general fund to support the training programs through grants to school districts, charter schools, and cooperative units.

Relevant Terms

relationship-building, de-escalation, School personnel, inclusive environments, professional development, state professional development aid, restorative approaches, Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports, fiscal appropriation, Minnesota schools.