tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215876249171130248.post2448852553222443687..comments2024-03-26T08:29:17.507-05:00Comments on another blog about school: Dismantle the boxesChrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07559356125770114400noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215876249171130248.post-2933889276449483412018-03-06T21:00:16.727-06:002018-03-06T21:00:16.727-06:00Seclusion rooms need to be banned or at the very l...Seclusion rooms need to be banned or at the very least regulated for emergency situations only. They are often used for the teacher's convenience, as a punishment, or a pathetic attempt at behaviour modification. These rooms don't work but make the kid only act out more and perhaps develop a fear of enclosed spaces and an anxiety about going to school. It also does not help the kid trust the school staff and develop any kind of relationship with the teacher. Would you like and/or trust someone that physically forced you into a closet and then kept you there against your will?<br /><br />Seclusion is regulated in prisons and in mental facilities but not in schools. Why is that? This just opens this up to corruption and abuse. This needs to stop and has been going on for years and years yet no one has done anything about it and that seems strange to me. I'm 53 and I never knew these rooms existed until I had my grandson in a special behavioural class due to a behavioural disorder. I went to school and never knew these rooms existed, my kids went to school and I never knew they existed, but I find out now with my grandson.<br /><br />It is more than obvious that the schools do not go out of their way to advertise the existence of these rooms and that in and of itself should raise a red flag. They like to keep them somewhat secret because they don't want the general public to know what is going on. This is beyond disgusting.<br /><br />Because of this I have made a petition to be presented to the Minister of Education in my province to ask that these rooms be banned or regulated to avoid misuse and abuse. Please join the fight against these seclusion rooms and sign my petition today. Thank you.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.change.org/p/education-minister-gov-ab-ca-enforce-guidelines-for-timeout-in-alberta-schools-and-put-an-end-to-seclusion-room-misuse?recruiter=860627735&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=share_petition" rel="nofollow">Please Sign The Petition Here</a>Linda Garnhttp://banseclusion.blogspot.canoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215876249171130248.post-87990648526061121482017-10-05T13:26:14.878-05:002017-10-05T13:26:14.878-05:00Hi!
I am with the huffington post and we would lik...Hi!<br />I am with the huffington post and we would like to use your two photos of seclusion rooms in a short video we are making. Please email me at tiffany.mcneil@huffpost.com<br /><br />Thanks!<br />TAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215876249171130248.post-68203687530965045592016-11-23T18:34:12.105-06:002016-11-23T18:34:12.105-06:00It seems a little disingenuous to criticize anonym...It seems a little disingenuous to criticize anonymous comments anonymously, 1:00je. I know there are people in this district who are used to accepting whatever the administration hands down, but there's a pretty big difference between being critical and bullying. Thanks, Chris, for bringing to light important issues like the use of seclusion boxes, which everyone should know about. These are public schools, after all.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215876249171130248.post-77563681560178276542016-11-23T14:00:47.527-06:002016-11-23T14:00:47.527-06:0011-23 Anonymous @ 1:00 -- the topic is seclusion b...11-23 Anonymous @ 1:00 -- the topic is seclusion boxes. Do you have something to say about seclusion boxes? <br /><br />There are other forums like FB's Discuss Iowa City Schools II that does censor and exclude people if you want to be on a monitored page.<br /><br />Thanks Chris.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215876249171130248.post-86918416899742396632016-11-23T11:24:20.799-06:002016-11-23T11:24:20.799-06:00Anon 1:00AM - I actually don't see a lot of &#...Anon 1:00AM - I actually don't see a lot of 'bullying' on here. What I do see is stakeholders expressing their opinions towards a tyrannical school district. Chris Liebig is far from a bully - if you want to see a bully look in the direction of Murley, Lynch and other associated iccsd cronies. I know for a fact that there are iccsd employees, parents and community members that post in this blog anonymously because they are afraid of hostility or possible retaliation from administration or those that don't agree with their opinions. Unfortunately, there are not many outlets available where we can openly discuss important issues facing our district. The Thought Exchange program available is absolutely worthless and a total waste of money as if produces filtered and canned responses that don't reflect our opinions at all and doesn't really allow for discussion since the process is not real time. Chris presents intelligent and factually based articles for us to consume and discuss. Thanks Chris!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215876249171130248.post-10611610346623695642016-11-23T10:57:18.813-06:002016-11-23T10:57:18.813-06:00Anonymous 1:00je I like anonymous postings and I f...Anonymous 1:00je I like anonymous postings and I feel like this blog provides a lot of good information via anonymous posts. Then again there are "anonymous" posts like yours but they come with the territory. And that's okay. <br /> Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215876249171130248.post-49851054151701065542016-11-23T01:00:23.339-06:002016-11-23T01:00:23.339-06:00How ironic is it, after all of the bullying and BS...How ironic is it, after all of the bullying and BS that has been going on in our schools, that a SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER maintains a blog that allows anonymous bullies to come here and post and spew their twisted agendas and lies and hatred without showing their true faces? Chris Liebig, as an elected official, stop this hypocrisy. Be a leader.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215876249171130248.post-22941531550823056462016-11-17T14:24:06.315-06:002016-11-17T14:24:06.315-06:00I believe parents only sign an initial consent for...I believe parents only sign an initial consent form for special education services. We don't sign the IEP prior written notice or the IEP review or IEP reevaluation. It's possible parents don't understand what's in the IEP and without seeing a picture of the boxes, parents probably wouldn't understand what time out means even when its in the IEP.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215876249171130248.post-79225856237847124872016-11-17T11:56:31.849-06:002016-11-17T11:56:31.849-06:00Lance,
First of all, I think it is worth mention...Lance, <br /><br />First of all, I think it is worth mentioning that no, parents do not need to approve of the use of restraint and seclusion for it to be implemented on their child. Any child can be placed in seclusion for physically harming others, there in an imminent threat of harm or are "creating a disruption", according to ICCSD Restraint and Seclusion guidelines. The term "disruption" is very problematic in that it does create a grey area where possible implicit bias or misuse can occur. I suggest that you take a look at the Gazette article and the incident reports obtained chronicling a mere month's worth of incidents of seclusion. While many document that children were placed in seclusion for physical aggression, many do appear to be frequently used for instances of simple non-compliance. <br /><br />If a parent DOES sign off on the use of restraint and seclusion as part of a child's IEP, the term, "Time Out", is used. Many parents simply aren't aware of what a seclusion room may look like at their school, may think that it implies something less restrictive or may not think that they have a choice (if suspension is the only other option). <br /><br />Parents and educators can agree that no one wants anyone to get hurt. If a child does escalate to the point where seclusion may be the only option, there is no need for the space where a child can go to calm down to appear to be so punitive. Plywood and recycled tires as padding on the inside are not materials that are congruent with federal guidance that children's dignity be respected at all times. More open spaces, bean bag chairs, brighter colors and making these less enclosed (like using half-doors) are models that have successfully been adopted by other districts and other states. If restraint and seclusion are specifically designed to be used as tools for calming and promoting safety, why do they look like solitary confinement? They simply invite use as punishment. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215876249171130248.post-77896071725978850132016-11-16T19:23:46.543-06:002016-11-16T19:23:46.543-06:00http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/pennsylvania-school-...http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/pennsylvania-school-controls-classrooms-harsh-restraints/story?id=17869365<br /><br />ICCSD should look at improving its positive behavior program. Kids sometimes get over rewarded for just doing what they are supposed to do making the rewards kind of worthless and the kids not take them seriously. Teachers need more better training to manage the classroom. <br /><br />11/8 at 327 made mention of yoga and meditation. This is worth trying.<br /><br />Being shut in a box could make a lot of behaviors worse.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215876249171130248.post-78098762105548017842016-11-16T17:05:10.147-06:002016-11-16T17:05:10.147-06:00Lance you sound like Kirschling when he was lookin...Lance you sound like Kirschling when he was looking at how often ses integration plans failed. Nothing more to offer than the petty rationale of "we can't do nothing." What's up with you guys, you sound helpless? Ever heard of research? A kid that is destroying a room gets put into a box in front of their class, then what? Sits in there and that's supposed to be an acceptable learning environment on either side of that box? You really want a kid to sit in a room and watch a kid get penned up like an animal then listen to that kid suffer? Cause there are better ways but the way the district wants to move the black low income schools around it is no surprise this type of hopeless treatment of struggling kids exists in this town. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215876249171130248.post-69781471067929229832016-11-16T17:00:41.253-06:002016-11-16T17:00:41.253-06:00Lance,
No, you are presenting a false choice. The...Lance, <br />No, you are presenting a false choice. The state came into the school district recently and audited special education. The report was just bad. Good early intervention services work wonders and could prevent some incidents if services were provided as they should be. Services have not been done correctly in ICCSD.<br /><br />When the newspaper reports that kids have been put in these rooms for pouting and getting out of line there is a huge problem.<br /><br />The box is not supposed to be used "fairly often." It's not for minor discipline problems.<br /><br />These boxes are not "rooms."<br /><br />The state doesn't require the use of these boxes.<br /><br />All parents are supposed to be notified and weren't.<br /><br />Chris, it would be helpful to see a list of where the boxes are and when they were put in. Can you post this info?<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215876249171130248.post-48736465446957934372016-11-16T15:56:50.146-06:002016-11-16T15:56:50.146-06:00I discount the outrage here by anyone that has a c...I discount the outrage here by anyone that has a child in the school district, especially in an Elementary School, and did not already know these existed. Chris L should be embarrassed. <br /><br />These rooms and a blunt and imperfect tool to deal with the complexities of handling an increasing number of students with severe behavioral issues. Got a better idea? <br /><br />I have spoken MANY times to ES teachers, and have heard some horrific stories of students hurting other students and teachers (and themselves). I have seen pictures of an entire classroom destroyed by one child as the others were led to "safety". I consider our family fortunate that - although they have been struck and CERTAINLY disrupted - none of my children have been badly hurt by on of these students. <br /><br />As for "lawsuits", they go both ways: I would be much more concerned about lawsuits brought by parents of students or by teachers who were assaulted by a student lashing out than by the parents of a student put in a box THAT THEY APPROVED. <br /> <br /><br />I don't like the box. I really don't. But apparently it works fairly often. <br /><br />If you don't like the box, IMHO you have two choices:<br />*"un-mainstream", and create a school/facility for those students.<br />* when an incident happens - and they happen every day - call the parent and have the child removed for the day. Escalate removal duration as necessary based on accumulation of incidents. <br /><br /> Lancenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215876249171130248.post-24426983211755429042016-11-15T14:43:16.166-06:002016-11-15T14:43:16.166-06:00Are these rooms even permitted by building code? ...Are these rooms even permitted by building code? There usually are size requirements, window requirements, ventilation requirements, access requirements by hallway, etc?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215876249171130248.post-65046234698962660172016-11-12T22:35:31.722-06:002016-11-12T22:35:31.722-06:00http://dondivamag.com/iowa-schools-seclusion-rooms...http://dondivamag.com/iowa-schools-seclusion-rooms-seem-to-only-be-the-hole-for-little-troubled-kids/?doing_wp_cron=1479011650.7480061054229736328125Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215876249171130248.post-21963294361309162162016-11-08T15:27:10.154-06:002016-11-08T15:27:10.154-06:00Around here (Connecticut) schools are doing very w...Around here (Connecticut) schools are doing very well with teaching kids yoga and meditation. The kids are brought to a nice room with rugs and good lighting and are asked to calm themselves. When they feel they can control their outbursts through meditation, they return to class.<br /><br />http://www.syracuse.com/schools/index.ssf/2016/09/schools_turn_to_yoga_meditation_instead_of_detention_suspension.htmlAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215876249171130248.post-72009980223601130212016-11-08T10:41:31.298-06:002016-11-08T10:41:31.298-06:00Why is anyone surprised at this? When the special...Why is anyone surprised at this? When the special education report is reviewed it is clear that the district simply does not have the competence to administer a special education program. And if you review the progress report recently provided to the board you will know that it's not just the special education program which has failed. Most subgroups in the ICCSD other than already high performing kids do worse than other districts in Iowa. This includes, IEP, FRL, black, and hispanic kids. And it's not a lack of money that causes this - other Iowa districts don't have this problem and they have the same funding constraints.<br /><br />At some point parents and the board need to hold our administration responsible. Because the board continues (by a 4-3 vote) to support the administration, voting no on the bond issue is the best way to show our dissatisfaction with the administration.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215876249171130248.post-76122448743165716452016-11-07T14:19:42.313-06:002016-11-07T14:19:42.313-06:00In taking a closer look at School District's s...In taking a closer look at School District's statement regarding seclusion and restraint, it is presented as a list of guidelines and suggestions. Chris, does this have the same weight as a written policy? Are policies and guidelines the same or is there more legal wiggle room, here? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215876249171130248.post-28372956670271381762016-11-07T13:49:28.834-06:002016-11-07T13:49:28.834-06:00Anonymous 9:06AM, that is an outright lie with a g...Anonymous 9:06AM, that is an outright lie with a great deal of documentation in direct dispute with your outright lie.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215876249171130248.post-21598436276313221492016-11-07T11:29:42.588-06:002016-11-07T11:29:42.588-06:00If you have had negative encounters or have ever d...If you have had negative encounters or have ever disagreed with Julie Eisle--good luck getting your request approved to join the group!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215876249171130248.post-39484320596426758872016-11-07T11:25:56.022-06:002016-11-07T11:25:56.022-06:00Anonymous 10:38 AM--just search for Discuss Iowa C...Anonymous 10:38 AM--just search for Discuss Iowa City Community Schools Part II on Facebook. You will have to ask to join the group and be added as a member to see any of the posts.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13648521052030806343noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215876249171130248.post-84508203617509458032016-11-07T10:38:04.773-06:002016-11-07T10:38:04.773-06:00Where can I find the Discuss FB page mentioned abo...Where can I find the Discuss FB page mentioned above? I have had some encounters with Julie Eisele at various meetings and they were not pleasant to say the least. I would be interested to read some of the dialogue and opinions on her site. Can someone provide a link? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215876249171130248.post-27661506098784846902016-11-07T10:34:36.720-06:002016-11-07T10:34:36.720-06:00DeeAnn there are plenty of schools and districts i...DeeAnn there are plenty of schools and districts in this state that are doing a lot better than the ICCSD with the same funding. The ICCSD has a widening achievement gap, it is going to become a DINA-10, the leadership (majority board and superintendent) is in favor of putting poor minorities on buses and redistricting them for bogus reasons and there is a retaliatory culture. The same dismissive attitude towards poor, minority kids pops up over and over again in this district. This is a leadership issue and those putting policy in place are failing. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215876249171130248.post-46506205144416502742016-11-06T17:45:20.295-06:002016-11-06T17:45:20.295-06:00This is the result of the dismantling & defund...This is the result of the dismantling & defunding of public education. Budgets have been cut so far to the bone that schools don't have the personnel or resources to humanely & properly deal with these children. Yes, they may be violent & a danger to themselves & others but if parents did this, they would be guilty of child abuse. Look at what our society has done to these children. So tragic.DeeAnn Pochedlyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07205929334381613019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215876249171130248.post-70540106257243624622016-11-06T17:08:53.602-06:002016-11-06T17:08:53.602-06:00They told me to have a quiet secluded place in my ...They told me to have a quiet secluded place in my class for the children who were emotionally melting. I built a corner called the bear cave. There are posters what to do when angry/sad the kidscreated. Stuffed animals to read to. A "break box" with stress balls..putty ..etc to calm kids. The outside has a huge bear. I think it's the same concept but not punitive.. I have them go there if they feel like a grouchy or sad bear. And bracelets are included in the box that as re red for leave me alone right now. 3 sides are covered but the front is open so you can see the child. It's worked to calm those out of control kids. Tamaranoreply@blogger.com