“Maine ranked one of the best in nation for rules limiting student restraints.” That is the headline from a news article this month referencing an online publication, ProPublica, a Pultizer Prize-winning investigative newsroom.
Based on the extensive protections for student and staff safety built into Ch. 33, ProPublica included Maine in a nation-wide summary, ranking Georgia the highest scoring, and Maine and six other states scoring second highest.
Maine DOE offers resources that contain guidance as to proper interpretation of the State Rule Chapter 33, as well as resources directed at behavior management and de-escalation strategies. In addition, a training section includes a list of behavior management training programs that have been reviewed and approved based on their alignment with the Rule. The Department also fields inquiries from the field regarding proper interpretation of the Rule.
For more information, contact Chief Academic Officer Rachelle Tome at rachelle.tome@maine.gov.