Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to establish a pilot program that enhances educational outcomes, safety, and accountability for students with disabilities within Minnesota. It seeks to improve the educational experience for these students by promoting inclusion and measuring success beyond standardized test scores.

Main Provisions

• Pilot Program Establishment: The Minnesota Department of Education will initiate a grant program starting in the 2025-2026 school year. This program will:

  1. Improve academic achievement and overall educational outcomes for students with disabilities.
  2. Increase access to general education settings for these students.
  3. Foster positive and inclusive school environments.
  4. Address costs related to the delivery of services for students with disabilities.

• Collaboration: The program will involve collaboration among students, families, community leaders, and the Department of Education's Special Education Advisory Panel to create improved inclusion frameworks.

• Grantee Selection: Participants will be selected based on proposals that provide timelines and plans for inclusive models, differentiation between mainstreaming and true inclusion, accessibility needs, classroom layouts, and address overrepresentation of students of color in restrictive settings.

• Inclusion and Diversity: The program emphasizes neurodiversity-affirming practices, trauma-informed practices, and evidence-based strategies to support students with disabilities.

• Training and Outcomes: It includes staff training on ableism and promotes outcomes such as increased student participation in extracurricular activities, reduced disciplinary actions, and better engagement with families and communities.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The program focuses on creating a systemic change in how educational outcomes and inclusion are approached for students with disabilities. It aims to redesign the inclusion frameworks used within schools, differentiating mainstream education from true inclusion by incorporating widely recognized best practices and evidence-based strategies.
• Introduces specific training requirements for staff to address ableism and support for disability inclusion.

Reporting Requirements

• By July 1, 2026, the Department must report on the pilot program's effectiveness and best practices.
• By July 1, 2027, a comprehensive evaluation report will be required, including guidelines and tools for Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams.

Funding

• An unspecified amount for fiscal year 2026 will be allocated from the general fund to support the pilot program's implementation.

Relevant Terms

• Students with disabilities
• Inclusion frameworks
• General education settings
• Neurodiversity
• Trauma-informed practices
• Universal Design for Learning
• Ableism
• Special Education Advisory Panel