State to Mull Limits on Restraint, Seclusion in South Dakota Schools

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Officials are working on a plan to limit schools' ability to physically subdue students in emergencies, which would remove South Dakota from the short list of states that lack regulations over the use of restraint and seclusion in education.

The plan is in the drafting stage and an advisory group will be discussing it Thursday. The guidelines would eventually require the approval of the state Board of Education.

Restraints can include immobilizing students to safely prevent them from harming themselves or others.

Linda Turner is director of special education programs at the state Education Department. She says the regulations are important to ensure the students' safety.

Jessica Butler, a national advocate for children with disabilities, says South Dakota is one of five states that don't have protections for students.

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