{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Monday, the state Board of Education unanimously approved some changes to a new statewide policy regarding when and how students may be restrained in public schools. The proposal prohibits physical restraint of students except when a child's behavior poses imminent danger of serious physical harm. It also requires that school staff receive training to help them identify situations considered serious enough for restraint and to learn positive reinforcement methods. The amended proposal adds examples of behavior methods used in classrooms that are not considered physical restraint, such as verbal commands and redirecting students to promote safety. It also adds a restriction on the restraint of students who use their hands to communicate.
