provide ADHD screening to high school students

 

 

The purpose of this act is to ensure that all high school students in the state of Minnesota are provided with proper

screenings for ADHD, facilitating early identification and intervention to improve academic performance and overall

well-being for students affected by ADHD.

 

Screening Requirement:

All public high schools in the state of Minnesota shall provide ADHD screenings for students in grades 9 through 12,

beginning in the 2029-2030 school year.

The screening shall be administered to all students who request it or by teacher recommendation, with special priority

given to students who:

- Exhibit behaviors such as inattention, distractibility, impulsivity, or hyperactivity in the classroom or during other

school activities.

- Have a family history of ADHD or other neurodevelopmental disorders.

- Are currently receiving or have previously received special education services related to attention or behavior

disorders.

Screening Procedure:

The screenings must utilize evidence-based tools and methods approved by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).

Results from the screenings shall be used to identify students at risk for ADHD and shall be followed by appropriate

interventions or referrals to specialized services, including counseling or academic accommodations such as

Individualized education plans.

School districts will provide written notification to parents or guardians of the screening results and any recommended

follow-up actions.

Department of Education Oversight:

The MDE shall oversee the implementation of this Act and shall develop guidelines for schools to follow in conducting

screenings, including specific evidence-based tools for ADHD screening.

The MDE shall monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the screenings and interventions in improving student academic

performance, behavior, and mental health.

 

“ADHD” means Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by symptoms of

inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with academic performance and social functioning.

“Screening” means a brief, evidence-based test designed to assess symptoms of ADHD, including inattention,

hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

“High school student” means any student enrolled in grades 9 through 12 in a public school in the state of Minnesota.

“Evidence-based screening tools” means assessment tools that are scientifically validated to accurately identify

students exhibiting behaviors consistent with ADHD.

 

The state will allocate necessary funding for the training of educators, the purchase of screening tools, and support

services for students identified with ADHD. Schools may seek federal or private grants to supplement state funding for

this initiative. Many nonprofit organizations offer ADHD screenings at a free or reduced price to high school students.

This bill has been created to recognize the need for early diagnosis.

 

Each school district will be required to submit an annual report to the MDE detailing the number of students screened

for ADHD, the number of students identified with ADHD, and the types of interventions provided to those students. The

MDE will compile this data and report it to the state legislature every two years.

 

This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2029, provided that funding and training for schools have been fully established.