School districts have policies against bullying, but a bill could reinforce the consequences for such behavior.
Its sponsor, Rep. Sandra Peterson (DFL-New Hope), said HF679 represents a “tiny step” to enforce policies already in place by requiring a school administrator to notify a bully’s parents when an incident occurs.
Although most agree the problem is serious, some say another mandate is not the solution.
“Without question the intensity around a bullying experience is devastating for a child. It’s devastating for a parent,” Jon Millerhagen told the House K-12 Education Policy and Oversight Committee Feb. 24. However, the principal of Bloomington’s Washburn Elementary School said notifying parents can be counterproductive, such as when “parents take things into their own hands.” In such cases, teachers and administrators should work directly with the student in the school setting to address the problem.
The bill, which has no Senate companion, was held over for a later vote.
Rep. Randy Demmer (R-Hayfield) called the bill “prescriptive,” and said that school boards and administrators should determine locally how to implement district policies.
Supporters say requiring administrative involvement would support teachers in handling tough disciplinary situations and continue to expose a problem that isn’t going away.
Former Chaska teacher David St. Germain supports the bill, because despite policies and programs intended to reduce bullying, intimidating behavior and attitudes remain a widespread problem with “soul-scarring” effects on its targets.
Research and anecdotes indicate bullied children may fear raising their hand in class, eating lunch in the cafeteria or even using the bathroom at school, he said.
“You can’t learn if you’re frightened,” he said.
The year without a K-12 law
School funding is flat, no reforms enacted
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Published 6/1/2010
House K-12 omnibus bill fast-tracked
Senate slow to respond with companion legislation
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Published 5/13/2010
K-12 education omnibus bill stalls
Teacher licensure proposals in contention
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Published 5/6/2010
K-12 education bill moves forward
Measures would activate reforms, stabilize school funding
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Published 4/29/2010
Resuscitating Race to the Top bid
New bid could hinge on proposals to boost teacher effectiveness
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Published 4/22/2010
Raiders of the lost fund
Slew of reforms could boost Permanent School Fund income
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Published 3/25/2010
Schools shore up state’s checkbook
Obscure law forces drawdown of school reserves before state can borrow
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Published 2/25/2010
At Issue: No shifts, no cuts
Education funding in a holding pattern
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Published 5/29/2009
At Issue: E-12 education bill that might have been
Funding held steady with no shifts proposed, but no Minnesota Miracle
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Published 5/15/2009
At Issue: Investing in quality care for kids
Lawmakers hope for long-term benefits of early investment
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Published 4/24/2009
At Issue: Building a better formula
Omnibus K-12 education finance bill floor debate highlights obstacles
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Published 4/24/2009
At Issue: Whose values are they anyway?
Lawmaker carries on family legacy with sex education bill
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Published 4/17/2009
First Reading: One school doesn’t fit all
Efforts put forward to tailor charter school law
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Published 4/10/2009
At Issue: Hopeful education goals in a dismal year
Omnibus bill addresses changing needs and future demands
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Published 4/3/2009
At Issue: Getting kids to move
Bill aims to ensure ‘No child left on their behind’
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Published 2/20/2009
First Reading: Accountability funding for all
A ‘New Minnesota Miracle’ requires a leap of faith
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Published 2/13/2009
At Issue: Q Comp found wanting
Performance measure has perks, but is it affordable?
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Published 2/6/2009
At Issue: Reforming education, saving money
Bipartisan support shown for mandate reduction and shared services
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Published 1/23/2009
Feature: Passing the torch of democracy
Youth immerse themselves in lingo and actions of lawmaking
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Published 1/16/2009