Safe Schools Initiative
CURRENTLY IN GEORGIA, students in public schools can be restrained and secluded for any reason, at anytime, by any employee of a school district, without telling the student’s family. On May 13, 2010, the Georgia State Board of Education initiated Rule 160-5-1-.35 “Seclusion and Restraint for All Students,” which bans seclusion and greatly limits the use of restraints for all students in Georgia public schools. You can click above to read the proposed rule online or click here to get the pdf version. Click here to read the proposed guidance in pdf format.
This is a historic day for Georgia students, as this is the first Georgia School Board initiation of a rule aimed at curbing the dangerous practice of restraint and prohibiting the use of seclusion. But our work is not done.
We have entered the 30-day public comment period and your comments are needed. The State Board of Education will receive written comments during the next 30 days (from now until July 5, 2010). The Board will hear oral public comment on June 9, 2010 at 1 p.m and vote on adopting the rule on July 15, 2010.
Although the rule is strong on banning seclusion and limiting the use of restraints, it lacks a potent provision regarding accountability and data collection. Currently, there is no requirement regarding data collection, and this rule does not require the Department of Education or districts to track the use of restraint. Data collection and analysis are critical, as they will assist state and local education agencies to focus on which schools need assistance in reducing the use of restraint and recognizing those districts and staff who are supporting children well without restraint.
It is imperative that the State Board of Education hear from families, concerned citizens, and stakeholders about how urgent the need is to protect both students and staff from the dangerous practice of restraint and seculsion. Click here to see a sample letter which you can use to make written public comment. To learn more about the rule, you can view a webinar that was presented by Parent to Parent on May 18th. If you would like to find out who your State Board of Education representative is, go to StateBoard. You can also view a 15 minute webinar on Tips on Speaking to PolicyMakers to help prepare you for making public comment.
We are seeking families whose loved ones experienced restraint and seclusion to speak with State Board of Education members about their experience and the importance of protecting children in Georgia public schools. If you are willing to speak with your local representative or know someone who might, please email Leslie Lipson or call her at 404-885-1234.
We applaud the Department’s decision to address this issue through the development of a rule and have created an on-line petition that we will present to the Department of Education indicating the support of individuals and families from across the state. By clicking here , you will be able to read the petition and join us in this effort. We thank you for your support and will continue to keep you informed about this every important issue.
For more information regarding Rule 160-5-1-.35, please see the following media coverage:
Atlanta Journal Constitution
Associated Press
Georgia Public Broadcasting