Category: Education
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Guy Stephens
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Reframing Behavior: A New Neuroscience Aligned Program for Educators
Today, I am thrilled to share what I believe to be one of the most significant accomplishments of the Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint in achieving our mission. I am excited to introduce you to Reframing Behavior, a groundbreaking neuroscience-based educator training program developed by the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) in partnership with the Alliance…
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Guy Stephens
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A Literature Review Examining the Ineffectiveness of Punitive Discipline and Corporal Punishment
Punitive discipline and corporal punishment have long been widespread practices in schools to address stress behavior of students. Over the last two decades, a growing body of evidence has shown that such approaches are not effective in correcting stress behavior and are detrimental to students’ well-being. In fact, evidence-based data suggests that punitive discipline and corporal punishment have a…
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Guy Stephens
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Neurodiversity, Behavior, and the Problem with PBIS
While no two nervous systems are identical, some characteristics are more common than others. People with these more common traits are called neurotypical. People with less common configurations are called neurodivergent. Autism, ADHD, epilepsy, Down syndrome, Tourette syndrome, depression, dyslexia, and dyspraxia are some common types of neurodivergence, though there are many more.
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Upcoming Congressional Briefing: How Seclusion & Restraint Harms Children and What Congress Can Do to Stop It
The Alliance to Prevent Restraint, Aversive Interventions, and Seclusion (APRAIS) coalition, which the Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint is a member, has announced a congressional briefing for May 23rd at 10:00 am to discuss the Keeping All Students Safe Act (KASSA). The briefing will include a diverse panel whose lived experiences with seclusion and restraint will shed…
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Making a Change: Getting Involved in Public Office to Improve Special Education and Stop the Abuse in our Schools
Getting involved in public office is scary, but it can also be a powerful way to drive positive change in the community. It can also be empowering as a parent or caregiver in your own recovery from the trauma your child may have experienced.
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Guy Stephens
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Disabilities and Disparities: Why disabled students are disproportionately impacted by restraint and seclusion
Like many other harmful practices, restraint and seclusion in schools are not experienced equally by all students. Students with disabilities, Black and brown students, boys, and young children are disproportionately impacted by restraint and seclusion in schools. In this article, I will focus on the impacts on students with disabilities.
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Finding My Place in the World
In the intricate fabric of who I am, there’s no room for the notion of laziness. Anyone who’s crossed paths with me would never toss around that label or anything hinting at idleness. Opinions about me are a mixed bag—from silky-straight locks to sheep-like tendrils, from being a chatterbox to moments of quiet reflection. Kindness…
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Dear Jordan School District – Be Proactive
We received no response from the Jodan School District to our initial letter, which was sent on November 27th, 2023. The Board President did, however, respond to a letter sent by a parent, which we were copied on. In the letter, the Board President told the parent that the Jordan School District follows state law and…
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Impact of Seclusion and Restraint on Post High School Outcomes
As an attorney practicing in the areas of education and discrimination, seclusion and restraint in schools are a particularly concerning problem. Data suggests that these tactics are often used in a discriminatory manner and negatively impact students’ legal right to access the educational environment. For these reasons, I have been searching for information on the…
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Who Do You Need To Hear It From Before You Believe It?
As parents, no matter what the situation, we are supposed to be advocates for our children. That’s a given. One phrase I hear often from professionals – I refer to any school staff, social workers, physicians, etc. as “professionals” – is “You know your child best.” But is that just a saying, or does that…
