Madison School Board Policy 4221 Update: Use of Restraint and Seclusion

Madison Teachers, Inc. via a kind Jeannie Bettner email (PDF):

In response to the demands of MTI members seeking further clarification regarding the District's enforcement of Board Policy 4221 - Use of Restraint and Seclusion - Interim Superintendent Jane Belmore provided a memo defining restraint and providing guidance about appropriate instances of incidental or brief physical contact with students while carrying out one's duties. The Superintendent also clarified that, "Physical restraint is NOT briefly touching or holding a pupil's hand, arm, shoulder or back to calm, comfort or redirect the pupil."

While MTI continues to encourage staff to be cautious when redirecting students using any physical prompts, Belmore's clarification is welcome. The District is in the process of providing training to staff relative to the appropriate use of physical restraint and seclusion, within the meaning of applicable Wisconsin Statutes.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at February 2, 2013 1:25 AM
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