CA SB1235

Schools are encouraged to implement evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports or other school climate strategies for a minimum of 3 years if off-campus suspensions exceed 25% of total enrollment or 25% of a numerically significant pupil subgroup, commencing with the 2014-15 school year.

The Superintendent of Public Instruction must invite qualifying schools to attend annual regional forums providing training, technical assistance, and best practice sharing on alternatives to suspensions, with a goal of serving at least 100 schools per year.

Suspension thresholds for forum invitations decrease over time: 23% for 2015-16 school year, 21% for 2016-17, 19% for 2017-18, and 15% for 2018-19.

The Superintendent must annually notify local educational agencies of schools exceeding thresholds, provide technical assistance, prioritize schools with highest suspension rates for invitations, and report school names and suspension rate changes to the State Board of Education.

School districts may use state, federal, or private funding sources to support evidence-based strategies aimed at reducing suspensions and addressing disproportionate discipline rates across pupil subgroups.