Learner Supports

Student Behavioral Health and Safe Learning Environments

The Iowa legislature passed two important pieces of legislation that went into effect July 1, 2020, with the goal of increasing school safety for students and teachers, and increasing student access to behavioral health supports. The initial guidance will be updated throughout the year and revised versions will be dated and highlighted for the user.

Senate File 2261: Guidance for School Behavioral Health Screening and Telehealth - Expands the opportunities for students to access behavioral health services with a licensed professional mental health provider in a school setting via telehealth, with parent or guardian consent, and allows for school districts, accredited non-public schools, and Area Education Agencies (AEAs) to contract licensed mental health providers to conduct in-person, universal behavioral health screenings with parent or guardian permission.

Senate File 2360: Guidance for Safe Classroom Learning Environments - Provides a comprehensive approach to create a safe learning space for students and teachers. The legislation offers competitive grants and reimbursement for therapeutic classrooms. School requirements include annual reporting of incidents of assault and violence and limitations on the use of classroom clears.