Today, the U.S. Department of Education issued a publication that outlines principles for educators, parents and other stakeholders to consider when developing or refining policies and procedures to support positive behavioral interventions and avoid the use of restraint and seclusion.

The goal of this resource document is to help ensure that schools are safe and healthy environments where all students can learn, develop and participate in instructional programs that promote high levels of academic achievement.

"As education leaders, our first responsibility must be to make sure that schools foster learning in a safe environment for all of our children and teachers," U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said. "I believe this document is an important step toward this goal. I also want to salute leaders in Congress for their vigilance on this issue."

The 15 principles that frame the document ultimately highlight how schoolwide behavioral interventions can significantly reduce or eliminate the use of restraint or seclusion. These guiding principles offer states, districts and other education leaders a framework for developing appropriate policies related to restraint and seclusion to ensure the safety of adults and children.

"Ultimately, the standard for educators should be the same standard that parents use for their own children," Duncan added. "There is a difference between a brief time out in the corner of a classroom to help a child calm down and locking a child in an isolated room for hours. This really comes down to common sense."

The document also provides a synopsis of ongoing efforts by federal agencies to address national concerns about using restraint and seclusion in schools, and includes links to state restraint and seclusion policies and procedures.

To access this document, click Click here: 

More than a year after the federal government replaced "mental retardation" with "intellectual disability" in many laws, officials are looking to shift away from other terms also deemed offensive to those with disabilities.

Under a bill proposed last month, two U.S. senators want to remove the word "lunatic" from federal law. The term, which originates from Latin and first referred to a type of insanity spurred by changes in the moon, is now considered derogatory by those with mental illness and other disabilities. 

Heart and Hope is Coming Back

to

Pinellas County!

Saturday, August 25th 2012

Location: Dunedin Highland Middle School
70 Patricia Ave Dunedin, FL 34698
8:00 am to 4:00 pm

  Grand Konferans Heart & Hope pral celebre nan Pinellas County

Samdi 25 Out, 2012
Adrès: Dunedin Highland Middle School
70 Patricia Ave Dunedin, FL 34698
8:00 am to 4:00 pm  

Li plis