On September 1, 2020, PDE BSE Director Carole L. Clancy, released a PennLink titled 2020-21 School Year Restraint Information System Collection Tracking and Training – First Quarter Reporting Window. It states that the Restraint Information System Collection (RISC) is open for data entry for the first quarter (restraints occurring between July 1-September 30) of the 2020-21 school year. The system has been enhanced and gives local education agencies (LEAs) greater opportunity to provide both more detail about restraints and to analyze trends in reducing the use of physical restraints.

As LEAs start the 2020-21 school year, they will be required to report RISC data regardless of the LEA’s instructional delivery method (in-person, virtual, blended, etc.). This will also include reporting zero restraints during a quarter when restraints did not occur. In addition, LEAs are still required to comply with 22 Pa. Code § 14.133(f) Positive Behavior Support related to training of personnel in specific procedures, methods and techniques.  However, 22 Pa. Code § 14.133(f) Positive Behavior Support does not require LEAs to acquire certification in this process and leaves this up to the LEAs and their specific training model. The training of personnel should provide varied intervention and strategies needed to address problem behaviors. These types of intervention chosen for a specific student or eligible young child shall be the least intrusive necessary. The use of restraints is considered a measure of last resort, only to be used after other less restrictive measures, including de-escalation techniques.

The Bureau of Special Education (BSE) continues to require LEAs to report the restraints that occurred in each quarter. This reporting process permits LEAs to report restraints in a timely manner which, in turn, allows LEAs to monitor patterns of episodic behaviors and address them accordingly. The quarterly windows of reporting for the 2020-21 school year are as follows:

Qtr 1

Begin Date: 07/01/2020

End Date: 09/30/2020

Last Day to Report: 10/18/2020

Zero Window Opens: 10/01/2020

Zero Window Closes: 10/18/2020

Qtr 2

Begin Date: 10/01/2020

End Date: 12/31/2020

Last Day to Report: 01/15/2021

Zero Window Opens: 01/01/2021

Zero Window Closes: 01/15/2021

Qtr 3

Begin Date: 01/01/2021

End Date: 03/31/2021

Last Day to Report: 04/15/2021

Zero Window Opens: 04/01/2021

Zero Window Closes: 04/15/2021

Qtr 4

Begin Date: 04/01/2021

End Date: 06/30/2021

Last Day to Report: 07/15/2021

Zero Window Opens: 07/01/2021

Zero Window Closes: 07/15/2021

The RISC reporting design provides an “End Date” for LEAs to comply with their end of quarterly reporting. In addition, there is a two-week window date labeled “Last Day to Report” to allow LEAs to gather and report on those students that attend an out-of-district facility where they were placed in a restraint during that quarter. This two-week period is also a designated time for LEAs that had no restraints during the quarter to report zero in RISC. BSE will continue to send out reminder PENN*LINKS about this quarterly reporting requirement.

BSE will monitor the restraint information reported by LEAs. RISC  requires each LEA to report the event that occurred prior to the incident, the incident, the unsafe behavior, and the de-escalation techniques utilized. The LEA must notify the parent(s) of the use of a restraint and schedule an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting within 10 school days of the use of the restraint in the educational program, unless the parent(s),  after written notice, agree(s) in writing to waive the IEP meeting. Additionally, restraints occurring during Extended School Year sessions should be reported within three weeks of the start of the school year.
In reviewing restraints submitted in RISC of school-age IEP students, the Special Education Advisers of BSE will continue to focus on LEA monitoring responsibilities as well as:

• Training of staff in de-escalation techniques;
• Excessive time of restraint;
• Excessive use of parent waivers;
• Mechanical restraints;
• Injuries;
• Number of restraints;
• 10-day window (school days) to convene an IEP meeting after a restraint occurs; and
• Handcuffing of students or students charged with a safe school’s offense.

A RISC reporting webinar is posted on the RISC site at: https://apps.leaderservices.com/_risc/index.aspx. The RISC reporting webinar link is located below the login box of the Leader Services RISC sign-in page. This webinar explains the reporting process and how to use the RISC system. The webinar also shares how to update your LEA’s contact information. All parties involved with RISC are highly encouraged to view this webinar to learn how to report restraints, how to use the system, and to understand the regulatory responsibility of LEAs. Additionally, BSE’s “Guidelines for De-escalation and the Use of/and Reporting of Restraints in Education Entities” is available for review on the RISC site. Questions regarding RISC should be directed to Keith Focht at 717.783.6921 or [email protected].  

The PA Department of Human Services (DHS) is reminding everyone to help protect children from abuse and neglect. With many schools starting up online only or under a hybrid model of online and in-person instruction, people are encouraged to look out for signs of potential abuse or neglect such as numerous and/or unexplained injuries or bruises; chronic, pronounced anxiety and expressed feelings of inadequacy; flinching or an avoidance to being touched; poor impulse control; demonstrating abusive behavior or talk; cruelty to animals or others; and fear of a parent/guardian or caregiver, among others.

If someone suspects a child is being abused or neglected, they are advised to report it to the 24-hour ChildLine hotline at 1-800-932-0313.

It is not an easy time. Parents/Guardians and families who are struggling to cope during this time of crisis are encouraged to call Pennsylvania’s new Support and Referral Helpline, which is operated 24/7 by skilled caseworkers who can provide emotional support. The number to call is 1-855-284-2494. For TTY, dial 724-631-5600.

Another helpful resource is the 2-1-1 hotline operated by the United Way, which can connect people and families to local resources that can help during the public health crisis.

To learn more about the signs of potential abuse, visit  keepkidssafe.pa.gov.

On August 17, 2020, the PA Department of Education (PDE) and the PA Department of Health (PDH) issued a joint memo to schools updating the requirement for students to wear face coverings while in school. Under the requirement, PDH states that students are to wear face coverings at all times while in school, even when six feet of social distancing can be achieved – with limited exceptions. The memo was issued following the release of updated guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) that strongly recommended children age two and older should wear face coverings at all times to help mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus. 

To access the face coverings order, click here

On August 19, 2020, the Wolf Administration released a  Mental Health Resources Guide intended to provide Pennsylvanians with a full complement of resources available to help everyone with their mental health needs.

“Especially with the stressors of the pandemic, it’s imperative that we also remember that it’s OK to not be OK, and our mental health must be considered just as much as our physical health,” Governor Tom Wolf said. “This online guide is presented to give Pennsylvanians a complete look at the mental health resources available to meet their individual needs. There is no one-size-fits-all for mental health.”

Interspersed with messages of hope and encouragement such as “Go easy on yourself,” and “People care about you,” are sections that include how to access treatment; preventing suicide; current events and mental health; unique challenges for minority and LGBTQ communities, children and teens, service members and veterans; what to do if you have no insurance; coping with trauma, domestic and sexual violence; and coping with substance use disorder. One section provides “Find the Right Help for You,” where guide visitors can access mental health resources for situations from “I’m feeling stressed,” to “I have a loved one with substance use disorder.” The guide is intended to help people find the right help for them.

To access the guide, click here.

Governor Tom Wolf is dedicating approximately $20 million to help 678 local education agencies, including school districts, to provide education services for students with disabilities who may have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 mitigation efforts and may face additional challenges through the new academic year. The funding includes $15 million from Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund and $5 million from the Department of Education’s (PDE) federal funding through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

“While COVID-19 impacted all students this year, it was particularly hard on our children with special needs, who often require additional support and services to assist their learning,” said Gov. Wolf. “This funding will help schools as they put structures in place to help these students while we work to mitigate the spread of this pandemic.”

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act authorizes governors to determine the educational use of Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Funds. The Special Education COVID-19 Impact Mitigation Grant (SECIM) will provide $15 million in financial support ($10M GEER; $5M IDEA) to local education agencies (LEA) to:

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act authorizes governors to determine the educational use of Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Funds. The Special Education COVID-19 Impact Mitigation Grant (SECIM) will provide $15 million in financial support ($10M GEER; $5M IDEA) to local education agencies (LEA) to:

• Provide enhanced synchronous (real-time) instruction to bolster remote services and supports for students with complex needs; and
• Provide services and supports to students with disabilities who experienced a loss in skills and behavior and/or a lack of progress due to the mandatory school closures.

An additional $5 million in GEER grant funding will be available to Preschool Early Intervention programs to provide compensatory educational services. 

“While LEAs transition to implementing reopening plans for the 2020-21 school year, they continue to face challenges in delivering free appropriate public education (FAPE) and providing services to students with disabilities,” said Secretary of Education Pedro A. Rivera.

“This critical funding will help schools as they work with their students with special needs to rebuild skills and behaviors that were diminished during the COVID-19 shutdown.”

Grant amounts were calculated using an allocation formula based on the number of students with complex special education needs within each LEA. Distribution of funds to Preschool early intervention programs will be made based on identified needs. Grant recipients will receive direct communication from PDE with eGrant application instructions.

To date, the Wolf Administration has awarded $70.5 million in GEER funding to help keep students and educators safe, and meet the unique challenges of COVID-19. In addition to the $15 million for special education, the Wolf Administration has directed $28 million to postsecondary institutions and adult basic education providers, $14 million to K-12 schools to support equity in continuity of education, $10.5 million to Career and Technical Education Centers and $3 million for Preschool Early Intervention Programs.

For more information, please click here.