Center for Children’s Advocacy Seminar Series
Suspending Our Students:
Connecticut Law and Schools’ Responsibilities
(click above for link to recorded webinar)
With new state law effective July 1, 2015, Out of School Suspension is Banned for Young Children up to Grade 2
- What does this mean for schools?
- How does this affect young children and their families?
- What supports are in place to help children with behavioral health issues?
- How does the legislation affect classroom teachers?
Kathryn Scheinberg Meyer, JD, Director, Speak Up Initiatives, Center for Children’s Advocacy
Defining the Issue: Legislative Advocacy and Creation of New Law that Prevents Out of School Suspension for Young Children
Links to new law written by the Center for Children’s Advocacy:
- Public Act 15-96: An Act Concerning Out of School Suspensions and Expulsions for Students in Preschool and Grades Kindergarten to Two
- Public Act 15-225: An Act Concerning Chronic Absenteeism
- Public Act 15-133: An Act Concerning Alternative Education
Andrea Spencer, PhD, Educational Consultant, Center for Children’s Advocacy
Importance of Early Identification of Behavioral and Mental Health Issues
John Frassinelli, Bureau Chief, State Department of Education
Bureau Chief for Health/Nutrition, Family Services and Adult Education
Guidance on Alternatives to Expulsion and Out of School Suspension
- State of Connecticut Department of Education Summary of 2015 Education-Related Legislation
- Powerpoint Presentation: Addressing Suspensions in Connecticut Schools
Patricia Sullivan-Kowalski, Director of Pupil Personnel, Meriden Schools
District Perspective: Children and Families and Options to Suspension or Expulsion
- Powerpoint Presentation:
Walter Gilliam, PhD, Yale Child Study Center
Reviewing National Studies and Federal Efforts to Reduce Suspensions
- Implementing Policies to Reduce the Likelihood of Preschool Expulsion (2008)
- “Expulsion is Not a Childhood Behavior; It is an Adult Decision”
Hechinger Report (2015)
Elizabeth Bicio, LCSW, Director, Early Childhood Consultation Partnership
Technical Assistance and Early Childhood Mental Health Services
Classroom Management for Teachers
- Resources from the Early Childhood Consultation Partnership
Additional Resources
Disability Rights Advisory from the Office of the Child Advocate and Office of Protection & Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities
