Nebraska public schools would identify struggling students and coordinate support

The State Department of Education would develop and run the system with advice from the Department of Health and Human Services. The system would operate in every Nebraska public school district. Students would be identified when they show at least two listed warning signs. Signs include chronic or sudden attendance changes, falling grades or incomplete work, and persistent or unusual behavior problems. Other signs include low class participation, visible hygiene concerns, and documented or disclosed harmful childhood experiences.

Each district would form a team to assess students’ needs, involve families, coordinate referrals, and securely track support. Community health workers would help families connect with services and assess needs that affect their health. Teams would include at least one community health worker through existing partnerships and name a lead agency or coordinator. The State Department of Education would provide training, practical help, and secure tracking systems. The Department of Health and Human Services would help connect agencies and health resources.

All data collected through the system would have to follow federal student and health privacy laws. The Department of Health and Human Services would monitor the system to prevent unequal effects based on race, disability, income, or language. Students could not be referred to police or child welfare based solely on the system’s warning signs unless imminent risk made the referral legally required. Districts would report annually to the State Department of Education. It would report annually to lawmakers on students served, help provided, feedback, and outcomes.