Posts by waddelk:
MASSP Update…MDE Guidance Issued on Emergency Seclusion and Physical Restraint
On Thursday (last week), the Michigan Department of Education released guidance documents for school districts on implementing the new laws governing the emergency use of seclusion and physical restraint.
Key Issues
We’ve subdivided the information below into four sections:
- General Parameters,
- Law Enforcement,
- Training Requirements, and
- Reporting Requirements.
General Parameters
The following three items clarify key questions MASSP has received from Principals about the parameters of the new restrictions.
If school personnel evacuate a room with the exception of one pupil and an employee of the school, is it considered seclusion?
If the pupil is not physically prevented from leaving the room, it is not considered seclusion.
(page 14)When does separating a pupil from others constitute seclusion or emergency seclusion?
When a pupil is confined in a room and physically prevented from leaving, that constitutes seclusion. The only exception is when that confinement is an integral part of an emergency lockdown drill…or of another emergency security procedure that is necessary to protect the safety of pupils.
(page 15)Is the emergency use of seclusion and physical restraint allowed to protect property?
No. The emergency use of seclusion and physical restraint is meant to protect pupils and staff. If the act of destructing property causes imminent risk to the safety of a pupil or staff member, emergency use of seclusion and physical restraint is permissible.”
(page 10)
Law Enforcement
These two items provide important clarification about the role of law enforcement as it relates to the new law.
Are school personnel allowed to call for law enforcement to deal with pupils who refuse to cease disruptive behavior?
First responders (emergency medical services, the police, or others) may need to be called by school personnel. This should be part of a school’s crisis management plan.
(page 10)Are school resource officers (SROs) considered school personnel?
Law enforcement officers who are sworn, meet state training and licensing standards, and are acting in their capacity as law enforcement officers are not bound by [the new laws]. Law enforcement officers are bound by limits on police use of force. Other individuals designated as “school resource officers” who are not sworn law enforcement officers are bound by [the new laws]. Who fits within that category is a matter of state law and not school district discretion.
(page 10)
Training Requirements
The new law requires two types of additional training. Principals are likely already aware of the awareness training requirement, but this item bears reviewing because of its scope. A full list of the required components of awareness training is included on page 11 of the FAQ. As a member service, MASSP has developed a full suite of MDE-approved resources that districts can use to fulfill this requirement. Click here for more information.
Who is required to receive awareness training?
All school personnel who have regular contact with pupils or who regularly and continuously work under contract, are required to receive awareness training. This may include: teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, support staff, bus drivers, security personnel, cafeteria staff, substitute teachers, public school employees providing services at a non-public school, school volunteers, school board members, coaches, and pre-service and intern teachers.
(page 11)
Reporting Requirements
The new laws impose several new reporting and documentation requirements should an incident occur. These items clarify some key points around data collection and debriefing parents.
Does a school need to collect data regarding seclusion and restraint?
Yes. All uses of restraint and seclusion must be documented, not just emergency seclusion or emergency physical restraint.
(page 18)Are districts required to use a Michigan Department of Education (MDE) form for documenting instances of seclusion and/or restraint?
No. The statute requires documentation of all instances of seclusion and restraint, but it does not require documentation on an MDE form. However, a copy of the written report shall be provided to the parent or guardian within the earlier of one school day (if school is in session the next day) or seven calendar days (if incident occurs the day prior to an extended break). The MDE has a model form districts may elect to use or modify for documentation of seclusion and restraint.
(page 18)When must a debriefing and consultation take place with a parent/guardian?
After each use of seclusion and/or restraint, school personnel must make reasonable efforts to debrief and consult with the parent or guardian, or with the parent or guardian and the pupil, as appropriate, regarding the event, and determination of future actions. Ideally this occurs within one to three school days of the incident.
(page 22)Must a district use the MDE debriefing form for documenting the debrief and consultation?
Yes. The debriefing and consultation shall be documented on the MDE form or within their existing information systems in accordance with department guidelines.
(page 21)
MDE Memo
Below is the full text of MDE Memo #086-17. Click here to access the original document on MDE’s website.
Emergency Use of Seclusion and Physical Restraint
In December 2016, the State of Michigan adopted Public Act 394 of 2016 restricting the use of seclusion and restraint in schools. On March 14, 2017, the State Board of Education (SBE) adopted the “Policy for the Emergency Use of Seclusion and Restraint” as required by MCL 380.1307. An update to the Policy was issued in July 2017.
The statute also required the MDE to develop guidance documents to assist school districts in implementing the new law. Those documents are listed below:
- Emergency Use of Seclusion and Physical Restraint Frequently Asked Questions
- Seclusion and Restraint Documentation Form
- Seclusion and Restraint Debriefing Form
It is the intent of the MDE to periodically update the guidance documents to reflect new changes and answer questions that are not addressed in the policy.
ADSA HOLIDAY GATHERING!
Tonight, Monday, December 19, 2016 5:00 pm ADSA meeting 5:40 pm Dinner La Pita in Dearborn Meal includes: Fattouch Salad Hommous and Baba Ghannouge Herb Roasted Potatoes and Almond Rice Halal Shish Kabob Portebello Mushroom Sautee with Chicken Soft Drinks, Coffee, Tea Cash Bar Hope to see you there!
MEMSPA Legislative Update
Public Employee Pensions, Other Post-Employee Retirement Benefits, and New Hire MPSERS Updates Last week’s announcement by Amway President Doug DeVos that the West Michigan Policy Forum has made restructuring public employee pensions and other post-employment retirement benefits (OPEB) their number one legislative priority has caused significant concern in school districts and local governments throughout Michigan. […]
MEMSPA Legislative Update
With the Legislature in Recess, What is Left Undone for the Year? With the Legislature in recess for most of the summer, Lansing should be relatively quiet as focus will shift to the upcoming November election. A number of education-related bills still await further action before the end of the current two-year legislative session in […]
DPS Update The House of Representatives passed its own package of DPS reforms last week after a marathon 15 hour session that culminated in a series of votes that concluded around 4:00 Thursday morning. The House package, passed along party lines with Republicans in favor and Democrats teaming with a handful of Republicans in opposition, […]
MEMPSA Legislative Update
House K-12 Appropriations Subcommittee and House Education Committee Hold Joint Hearing on Future of M-STEP As previously reported, the House Appropriations Committee followed the recommendation of the House K-12 Appropriations Subcommittee to eliminate funding for both the M-STEP and SAT in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2016-2017 K-12 budget. Rep. Tim Kelly (R-Saginaw), Chair of the […]
MEMPSA Legislative Update
DPS Update The Senate and House this week sent legislation to the Governor that would ensure the solvency of DPS through the end of the school year. House Bill 5296 would utilize $48.7 million from the state tobacco settlement in order to avoid DPS potentially falling short of making payroll as early as April 8. […]
MEMPSA Update & Meeting Reminder
Hope you are able to attend today’s ADSA General Membership Meeting. The meeting will be held in the media center at Henry Ford Elementary School starting @ 4:00 p.m. In addition, there is a special election to vote for a president elect (Heyam Alcodray and Josh Tynan are on the ballot). The polls will be open from 3:00 – 5:30 […]
MEMPSA Legislative Update
Gov. Snyder Delivers State of the State Address Governor Rick Snyder this week delivered a State of the State address that was much different in tone compared to previous years given the local, state, and national focus on the ongoing Flint water crisis. Governor Snyder, in a somber tone, apologized to those living through […]