PAPPI

This page is for tracking the work of a group of parents focused on reducing the use of restraint and seclusion in public schools.

We work via e-mail and hold a conference call once a month. Leave a note on the discussion page if you want to participate or e-mail gregsmithpm at gmail.com.

Links, documentation, ideas and comments

Recent ruling by BSEA in MA allowing Mechanical Restraint based on a school doctor seeing a short video:
http://www.doe.mass.edu/bsea/decisions/11-5444a.doc

Media coverage generated by Op Ed in New York Times:
http://terrifyingdiscipline.weebly.com/index.html

Motivational article http://www.copaa.org/public-policy/standing-in-our-own-shoes/

Federal resource document:
http://www2.ed.gov/policy/seclusion/restraints-and-seclusion-resources.pdf

Online training for influencing people:
http://www.partnersinpolicymaking.com/makingyourcase/

Documents collected in Maine initiative to update regulations:
http://www.maine.gov/education/rulechanges/chapter33/resources.html

Another concerning r/s article
http://www.sunjournal.com/news/franklin/2012/10/25/rsu-9-staff-facing-challenges-under-new-rule/1271392

Dissertation on how best to train teachers on reducing the use of restraint and seclusion.
http://wiki.laptop.org/images/f/f4/PREVENTION_AND_REDUCTION_OF_RESTRAINT_AND_SECLUSION_IN_PUBLIC_SCHOOLS-_A_COMPREHENSIVE_APPROACH_Nancy_I._Macias-Smith_Doctoral_Project_2012.pdf

A guide book for training teachers on how gto avoiod the use of restraint and seclusion.
http://wiki.laptop.org/images/2/28/FINAL_GUIDEBOOK_Nancy_I_Macias-Smith_04_11_2012_REV_SL_JL_BL_NMS_v2-1-.docx

Groups on children's and parental rights

One trying to pass the Parental Rights Amendment http://www.parentalrights.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={DE675888-E60A-4219-8A5E-000083244D13}&DE=

And then there's Children's Rights http://www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/humanrights/resources/child.asp

Then there's this petition that is now closed http://www.change.org/petitions/childrens-rights-in-public-schools-students-not-prisoners

Meeting minutes

October 26 meeting

• Introductions and brief review of recent work

Discussed our perspectives and goals. Greg talked about Mass initiative and work to create parents group. Deb talked about her work on the regulations in Maine. Bill talked about his experience and sense that this is a growing movement and he has heard from many people fromm all over the country. He thinks the next phase will be addressng issues of retaliation. We all noted that it's a systemic problem and will need a long term concerted effort to address it..

• Adding people to the group

We agreed that anyone who wants to participate can send Greg an e-mail. If they want vto ohelpp advocate with ut, Greg will then add them to the cc and invite them to the next meeting.
Note, people who were not on the call, please confirm to me that you are OK with that

• Goals discussion. we came up with these goals not in priority order:
  • Faciliate the ability of parents to be tell their story and be heard without retaliation
  • Improve transparency about what is happening in schools and analyze data to demonstrate the issue.
  • Develop tools and information for school systems to help address the issue.
  • Increase the size of our group. Ensure that we have actionable tasks for new parents as they express a desire to be involved.
  • Improve the laws and regulations on restraint.

• Agenda for next meeting:
  • 20 minutes - Introductions and review of recent work
  • 5 minutes - A quick read through to approve the goals.
  • 5 minutes - Discuss any logistical issues or ideas (e.g. should we move this to an e-mail list, is the wiki good, too many e-mails or just right?)
  • 20 minutes - Brainstrom objectives and campaigns to work on. Each should contribute to one of the goals above.
  • 10 minutes - Set agenda for next meeting.

Pages collected under SPED namespace

BSEA:Decisions
Newton Public Schools
Barnstable Public Schools
Boston Public Schools
Northampton Public Schools
Main page