Sat Mar 23, 2024 11:33 pm by globalturbo
DES MOINES, Iowa —
The rules are changing for the use of isolation and restraint rooms in Iowa schools.
Schools across the state have used the special seclusion rooms to isolate children, often after a violent outburst. But not everyone thinks they were being used correctly.
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After years of debate, Wednesday morning the Iowa Department of Education voted to amend the rules on how seclusion rooms are used.
Now students who threaten bodily injury instead of serious physical injury may be put in the rooms. Their parents must now be notified as soon as possible. Seclusion rooms must be at least 56 square feet. Some were as small as a six-by-six wooden box.
State educators said the compromise won't please everyone, but will help.
"I truly do think this is a benefit and a move forward for the kids of Iowa," said David Tilly with the Iowa Department of Education.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa has been asking for the changes and said the vote is a step in the right direction.
"Research shows that putting kids in seclusion has detrimental effects that far outlast the immediate.
https://www.kcci.com/article/iowa-department-of-education-approves-changes-to-use-of-isolation-rooms/34719024#
The rules are changing for the use of isolation and restraint rooms in Iowa schools.
Schools across the state have used the special seclusion rooms to isolate children, often after a violent outburst. But not everyone thinks they were being used correctly.
Advertisement
After years of debate, Wednesday morning the Iowa Department of Education voted to amend the rules on how seclusion rooms are used.
Now students who threaten bodily injury instead of serious physical injury may be put in the rooms. Their parents must now be notified as soon as possible. Seclusion rooms must be at least 56 square feet. Some were as small as a six-by-six wooden box.
State educators said the compromise won't please everyone, but will help.
"I truly do think this is a benefit and a move forward for the kids of Iowa," said David Tilly with the Iowa Department of Education.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa has been asking for the changes and said the vote is a step in the right direction.
"Research shows that putting kids in seclusion has detrimental effects that far outlast the immediate.
https://www.kcci.com/article/iowa-department-of-education-approves-changes-to-use-of-isolation-rooms/34719024#
