TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Parents can comment on restraint in schools

ADVERTISEMENT

By CATHERINE DOLINSKI

cdolinski@tampatrib.com

Published: July 18, 2009

TALLAHASSEE - Floridians can tell the state Board of Education on Monday what they think about a proposed rule defining how and when teachers can physically restrain or isolate K-12 students.

Parents in Florida and across the country have complained about public schools' use of restraint and seclusion to manage students, particularly those with developmental disabilities. Most school districts have rules governing the use of such methods, but most states - including Florida - do not.

The proposal now before the state education board would permit physical force to control disruptive behavior only when alternatives fail or are not possible. Involuntary seclusion of a student would be permitted to stop behavior that threatens someone's safety.

The Advocacy Center for Persons with Developmental Disabilities has criticized the rule as setting an unacceptably low standard for treatment of children with special needs.

The state board plans to vote in September on the rule, which appears at https://app1.fldoe .org/rules/default.aspx. The public can take part in Monday's 3:30 p.m. teleconference by calling (888) 304-6786. Conference access code: 14577631.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT