Action Alert #17 BESE to Discuss Seclusion & Restraint

August 12, 2025

On Tuesday, August 19 at 9:00 AM, the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) Academic Goals and Instructional Improvement Committee will meet to vote on changes to two important education bulletins (Agenda – Item 7.2):

• Bulletin 741 – Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators Changes include new rules for yearly reports and using cameras in some special education classrooms.
• Bulletin 1706 – Rules for the Children with Exceptionalities Act Updates make big changes to Louisiana’s rules on seclusion and restraint for students with disabilities.

These changes come from Act 479, a new law passed this year after years of families and advocates asking for safer rules. In June, the Special Education Advisory Panel (SEAP) reviewed the changes and praised the work to protect students.

Your voice can help make sure schools are safe and supportive for all students.

How to Take Action

Before Tuesday, August 19th:

1. Email the Committee Chair: [email protected]
2. Contact your BESE member and Members At-Large (use this map and contact list to find yours).
   • Include your name, address, phone number, email, and the topic: Revisions to Bulletins 741 and 1706.
   • Thank them for supporting students with disabilities.

If you need help understanding this alert or taking action, please contact your LaCAN Leader today!

Why it Matters

Act 479 makes major improvements to how schools handle seclusion and restraint. A 2024 legislative audit showed these changes are needed to keep students with disabilities safe and treated with respect.

Specifically, Act 479 says:

• Schools must put cameras in special education classrooms, even if parents don’t ask for them.
• It clearly explains what “seclusion” (putting a student alone in a room) and “physical restraint” (holding a student still) mean and when they can be used.
• Teachers will be trained to handle tough situations and behaviors (crisis intervention) as part of becoming a teacher.
• Only trained staff can use physical restraint, unless there’s an emergency.
• If a student is secluded or restrained, they must be checked by the school nurse or another health staff person on the same day it happens.
• Parents must be told during IEP meetings that they can say no to seclusion and restraint for their child.
• If there is a video of seclusion or restraint, it will be watched to make sure rules were followed.
• Parents must be told the same day if their child was secluded or restrained.
• If a student is secluded or restrained more than 2 times in a year, their behavior plan must be updated (used to be 5 times).
• If a student is held for more than 3 minutes in one hour, it can be called physical restraint.
• Schools must include clear rules about reporting when seclusion or restraint happens in all of their policies.
• Schools must share their rules every year with Special Education Advisory Councils and give copies to parents.

Confirm Your Action

• Email your LaCAN Leader after you take action
• Why confirm your action? This helps the Council know how effective we are reaching you with important information and engaging members across our state in advocacy for systems change.

Tips & Tools for Advocacy

Looking for tips and tools to help you in your advocacy? Check out the Council’s Advocacy 101
page. You can also find tips for:

• Writing/emailing your legislators
• Calling your legislators
• Writing your story