The Impact of Restraint and Isolation Policy: Centering Community Voice in Policy Reform

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 3:20 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Intersecting Education Policy and Politics (Table 12)

Abstract

While students with disabilities represent only 15% of the overall student population in
Washington, they account for 93% of both restraint and isolation (R&I) incidents, highlighting a stark
disparity in the application of these practices. Additionally, Black and multiracial students are
disproportionately subjected to restraint and isolation, further underscoring the inequitable
distribution of these interventions across different student groups. This mixed methods study uses Co-interpretation – a collaborative community based process to analyze data and determine priorities for policy change improved educator practice. Results indicate that a community-based research approach leads to both improved policy and healed relationships.

Authors

• Dia Jackson, American Institutes for Research

• S. Sana Fatima, Senior Researcher