This document records testimony from a hearing before the Committee on Education and Labor that was held to discuss the inappropriate use of seclusion and restraint practices in classrooms. The statements presented in this report discuss the Federal Government's role in protecting the health and safety of students and school staff. Member…

Research shows that students who experience discipline that removes them from the classroom are more likely to repeat a grade, drop out of school, and become involved in the juvenile justice system. This can result in decreased earning potential and added costs to society (lost tax revenue and incarceration). The Government Accountability Office…

The Virginia Board of Education's "Student Conduct Policy Guidelines" were first developed in 1994 in response to action by the 1993 General Assembly requiring the Virginia Board of Education to establish such guidelines. In 2004, the "Guidelines" underwent a major revision in response to requirements of § 22.1-279.6. of the…

Reviews problems involved in disciplining disabled students with behavior problems as a result of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. The case of "Honig V. Doe" has reached the Supreme Court but may be declared moot. Urges school administrators to warn parents of disabled students that the police will be called if students…

Describes the case of Casey Jesson, a hyperactive child ordered by the state of Hew Hampshire to ingest Ritalin or forego a public education. Despite adverse side effects and the perils of drug dependency, there is greater parental and educator acceptance of Ritalin than ever before. Scientologists are sparking an anti-Ritalin campaign. Includes…

Reviews current legal interpretations regarding discipline of handicapped students. Proposes a model for fostering compliance with legal mandates when considering disciplinary procedures for such students. Principals should employ behavior management options (such as time-out techniques, use of school counseling and social workers, in-school…

Detention rooms are more effective when students are accountable for their behavior, rules and consequences are clear and publicized, and teachers are involved in the disciplinary process. (DCS)

A survey of exclusionary discipline practices with handicapped students revealed a national pattern of "de facto" differential treatment. In denying a school's unilateral authority to remove dangerous or disruptive students, the Supreme Court's judgment in "Honig v. Doe" (1988) took precedence over all earlier court decisions.…

Suspension is often an inappropriate remedy for discipline problems since the students being suspended are inevitably those who most need to be retained in school. Other discipline methods that reinforce positive behavior warrant the consideration of school and civil authorities. Restitution, which allows juveniles to compensate for damages they…

Because of the importance of preventing inappropriate disciplinary measures for special education students and those with disabilities, school boards should direct administrators to set specific procedures and limits on disciplinary measures, boost staff development programs, and establish open communication with parents. (MLF)

A Senate committee hearing received testimony about high dropout rates and other problems at seven off-reservation boarding schools operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) or by tribal groups under BIA contract. The schools are Pierre Indian Learning Center (South Dakota), Sequoyah Indian High School (Oklahoma), Wahpeton Indian School…

The courts have come to play an increasingly important role in educational policy making and the administrative management of our public schools. This is especially apparent in the context of school discipline where numerous and varied controversies have been translated into legal disputes over the past three decades, many of which have ultimately…

The relationship of familial and school-based risk factors to socioemotional and learning problems was assessed in a sample of 69 Hispanic 3-year-old children in Head Start Programs in New York City. In a preliminary study of maternal stress, child temperament was identified as a significant predictor of child socioemotional problems. School risk…

This report on issues relating to parent and teacher responsibility for unruly students was presented to the 1989 General Assembly of North Carolina (1989 session) by the Legislative Research Committee. Committee proceedings are detailed followed by committee findings and recommendations. Twelve recommendations are offered in the areas of: (1)…

This paper provides legal information about the role of physical conduct in student-teacher, teacher-teacher, and administrator-teacher roles. The two legal theories that pertain to physical conduct in the schools are found in Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972 and 42 U.S.C. (1983) for violations of due process and equal protection…