Teachers, principals, social workers, and psychologists, we’d like to hear from you. How do you feel about a possible state law restricting suspensions in the early grades? Does it go too far, or not far enough? Will it affect how you do your job? Or how your classroom and school operate? Share your perspective by filling out this brief survey.
Here’s the background: After a failed attempt in 2017 to pass a bill limiting suspensions and expulsions for students in preschool and early elementary school, Colorado lawmakers could succeed this year. House Bill 19-1194, which has been approved by the full House and the Senate Education Committee, bans suspensions and expulsions of young students except when they bring weapons or drugs to school, or pose a health or safety threat. It could be heard in the full Senate as soon as next week.
Last year, Colorado schools handed out 5,800 suspensions to students in kindergarten through second grade, according to data from the Colorado Department of Education. That’s equivalent to three suspensions per 100 K-2 students — almost the same rate as in 2016-17.
