Revised Policy Allows Teachers In Arizona District To Use Force To Tame Unruly Students

The Arizona Republic (6/11, Seligman) reports, "The Gilbert Public Schools governing board unanimously approved modified state recommendations on student behavior management, including when unruly children can be physically restrained or put into seclusion." The new rules allow "teachers and administrators to use force on a student 'to the extent necessary to act in self-defense, defense of students and/or in defense of property.'" Should an employee have to use "force on a student," he or she "must submit a written report to his or her supervisor within 24 hours. The supervisor must then submit a report to the administrator within two working days." District officials also "modified the state recommendation that calls for a functional behavior assessment and a behavior intervention plan if a student has been restrained or secluded three times during a semester." Instead, the plans will be provided upon request by the parent.