A decline in overall student enrollment over the past two school years has coincided with a troubling increase in the use of restraint and seclusion techniques in schools, raising concerns about student safety and disciplinary practices. While fewer students attend classrooms, data shows a growing reliance on these interventions, which restrict movement or isolate students as behavioral management tools. The shift highlights broader challenges in school environments, prompting questions about whether alternative approaches are being overlooked. Educators and advocates are likely examining the reasons behind this trend and its potential impact on student well-being.
The overall student population shrank between the 2021-22 and 2023-24 school years, but the number of students restrained and secluded rose.
