CO HB1211

Creates a discipline strategies pilot program to provide grants to school districts, boards of cooperative services, and charter schools for professional development training on culturally responsive discipline methods for preschool through third-grade students.

Establishes that young children suspended or expelled from school are up to ten times more likely to experience academic failure, grade retention, high school dropout, and incarceration compared to non-suspended peers.

Requires grant applicants to report disciplinary incident data, types of professional development programs, and agreement to provide information for evaluation; State Board must award at least one grant to a rural area applicant.

Program receives no state appropriations and operates only if the department receives at least $300,000 in private or public gifts, grants, or donations per budget year; department must submit annual reports by April 15 to the State Board, Joint Budget Committee, and education committees.

Section repeals effective July 1, 2020.