HB 1558 Summary

• Department of Education must develop and maintain a model evidence-based plan for improving student behavior and discipline by July 1, 2016, updated every two years in consultation with child services, mental health, parent organizations, and educational institutions.

• School corporations and charter schools must establish their own evidence-based discipline plans incorporating positive behavioral supports, minimize exclusionary practices, reduce law enforcement referrals, and eliminate disproportionality in discipline.

• Schools must compile and report detailed discipline data disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender, disability status, age, and grade; Department must develop criteria to identify disproportionality and work with schools to correct excessive suspension, expulsion, and arrest rates.

• Establishes the Positive Discipline Practice Program Fund with $1 million appropriated for fiscal year 2015-2016 to provide grants for implementing positive discipline practices and reducing disproportionality.

• Modifies student discipline procedures to prioritize positive discipline and alternatives to exclusion, requires continuing education plans for suspended or expelled students, removes the requirement that students over 16 attend alternative programs after expulsion, and repeals the student safety reporting requirement.