Special Education Update

The Restraint Information System Collection (RISC) is open for data entry for the Second quarter of the 2024-25 school year (restraints occurring between October 1, 2024 – January 15, 2025). The RISC program continues to enhance its design to give local educational agencies (LEAs) greater opportunity to provide both more detail about restraints and to analyze trends in reducing the use of physical restraints.

LEAs are required to report RISC data quarterly during the 2024-25 school year. This includes reporting zero restraints during a quarter when restraints did not occur. Additionally, LEAs still are required to comply with 22 Pa. Code § 14.133(f) or 22 Pa. Code § 711.46(f) Positive Behavior Support related to training of personnel in specific procedures, methods, and techniques. However, 22 Pa. Code § 14.133(f) and 22 Pa. Code § 711.46(f) Positive Behavior Support does not require LEAs to acquire specific certification in the use of restraints and leaves this up to the LEAs and their specific training model. The training of personnel should provide varied intervention and strategies needed to address problem behaviors. The types of intervention chosen for a specific student or eligible young child shall be the least intrusive necessary. The use of restraints is considered a measure of last resort, only to be used after other less restrictive measures, including de-escalation techniques.

ARIN will be hosting a learning session with Bob Measel, Title III Director and Bilingual Education Advisor, from the Pennsylvania Department of Education on November 7, 2024. All English Language Development (ELD) Coordinators, ESL teachers, and guidance counselors are invited to attend this session to gain a better understanding of the laws and regulations guiding instruction for English Language Learners, as well as tools to support your students and staff.