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SD 1354

An Act enhancing learning in the early school years through a ban on school exclusion in pre-kindergarten through 3rd grade

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Adam Gómez

Massachusetts bill prohibits suspending or expelling students in pre-K through 3rd grade to keep young children in classrooms during critical learning years.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 1354

Legislative bill overview

SD 1354 prohibits schools in Massachusetts from excluding (suspending or expelling) students in pre-kindergarten through 3rd grade. The bill aims to keep young students in classrooms during their critical early learning years, regardless of behavior or disciplinary circumstances. It represents a significant shift in how schools handle discipline for children ages 3-8.

Why is this important

Research indicates early school exclusion correlates with long-term academic gaps and dropout risk, yet young children have limited behavioral regulation capacity. The policy could improve attendance and academic outcomes for vulnerable students, but also raises practical questions about how schools manage severe behavioral issues while protecting other students' learning environments.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation challenges: Schools may lack resources for alternative behavioral interventions, in-classroom support staff, and de-escalation training needed to manage serious incidents without removal
  • Safety and classroom disruption: Critics may argue blanket bans don't account for severe cases (violence, threats) where removal might protect other students or staff
  • Parental involvement and communication: Unclear how parents of disruptive students will be engaged or informed, and whether home-based consequences can supplement school-based discipline
  • Special education considerations: Tension between this ban and existing IDEA provisions that allow removal for certain special education students with IEPs

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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