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

This bill prohibits public schools in Massachusetts from suspending or expelling students in pre-kindergarten through third grade for disciplinary infractions. While it immediately bans these exclusions for the youngest students, it also extends the ban to fourth and fifth graders, with the changes taking effect one and two years after the law passes, respectively. To support educators, the legislation requires the state to provide guidance and resources for alternative behavior management strategies, such as mediation and restorative justice. The primary goal is to ensure that young children remain in the classroom to continue their learning and to address disparities in educational outcomes caused by strict discipline policies.