HJ0005 Summary

• Creates the School Success Task Force to examine state policies and practices regarding student suspensions, expulsions, and truancies, with particular focus on racial disparities in discipline.

• Task Force membership includes representatives from legislative leadership, state agencies (State Board of Education, Department of Corrections, Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Human Services, Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Board of Higher Education), legislative caucuses, community organizations, and public members appointed by the Governor.

• Task Force shall study the impact of current discipline policies on students statewide, examine how school districts interpret and administer disciplinary policies, hear testimony from stakeholders, and analyze data on student reenrollment after suspension or expulsion broken down by age, race, and education level.

• Task Force shall identify strategies to help educators work with families of students of color, promote professional development to reduce suspensions and expulsions, and support community efforts to encourage positive student behaviors.

• Task Force must hold public hearings in necessary legislative districts and submit findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by December 31, 2010.