S.F. No. 2898 - The Student Inclusion and Engagement Act

• Requires schools to use nonexclusionary disciplinary policies and positive behavior interventions before removing or dismissing pupils from school, except where conduct creates immediate and substantial danger.

• Prohibits "zero-tolerance" policies and limits classroom removal to two class periods for rule violations; requires adult advocates for all elementary students and students with disabilities during suspension conferences.

• Mandates re-engagement plans for suspended or expelled students developed with families and establishes appeals processes for suspension decisions.

• Requires schools to report all pupil removals and dismissals to the commissioner disaggregated by demographics and to include documentation of nonexclusionary practices attempted before removal.

• Appropriates funding for professional development to help districts implement nonexclusionary discipline practices and alternative strategies including restorative justice, peer mediation, and culturally responsive discipline.