Should the Government Prohibit the Use of Restraint and Seclusion in Schools?

Yes Article

• Main Idea: This article suggests the Department of Education should provide strong guidance for the use of restraint and seclusion in schools.

Yes Article Key Details

• Students are suffering due to the use of restraint and seclusion in schools
• Legislation is blocked in congress and states are inconsistent with providing guidelines; this puts ED in the best position to provide schools with guidance, training, and recommendations
• Legislation is blocked in congress and states are inconsistent with providing guidelines; this puts ED in the best position to provide schools with guidance, training, and recommendations
• Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) developed a national plan to prevent and reduce the use of restraint and seclusion in mental health facilities; ED should collaborate with SAMHSA to implement a prevention plan in schools

No Article

• Main Idea: The American Association of School Administrators (AASA) suggests that using restraint and seclusion allows students with social and emotional issues to remain in the public school setting while keeping students and staff safe.

No Article Key Details

• The AASA does not support federal legislation that inhibits or undermines school use of restraint and seclusion
• A parent letter included in the article states that her daughter would not have been able to remain in a public school setting without the use of restraint and seclusion
• AASA believes the federal government could support schools by providing funding for training in positive behavioral intervention, crisis management, and de-escalation techniques to reduce the need for restraint and seclusion
• AASA does not support inappropriate use of restraint and seclusion but believes it is necessary to keep school staff and students safe