Texas Behavior Support Initiative:  Module 1
6
Seclusion
•   A behavior management technique in which a student is confined in a locked box, locked closet, or locked room that:
–Is designed solely to seclude a person; and
–Contains less than 50 square feet of space
–TEC 37.0021(b)
Remember, SB 1196 specifically prohibits the use of seclusion.
Here is the detailed definition…(Read slide)
Whenever there are specific criteria or delineators listed in a rule, someone will try to look for “outs”—ways to get around the definition.
Before we go down that path, let us go back to the spirit or underlying philosophical foundation for this bill…“It is the policy of this state to treat all students with dignity and respect.”
One might interpret that to mean that though we could talk about…”What about 51 square feet?..it is really more appropriate to talk about techniques to use other than secluding children.
This bill gives the state of Texas the perfect push and support to build on the work being done by the Behavior Network in implementing systems of positive behavioral supports statewide.