My research aims to explore a topic that has dealt with years of underreporting. Countless students in special education are physically restrained every year without proper documentation. In 2023 the Texas Standard reported that a special education student in Friendswood ISD was restrained multiple times, but his mother was not informed about every instance. It is legally required that schools inform parents about the use of restraint; however, we still see countless instances where proper recording does not occur. 

Since 2001 Texas has set legislature regarding the reporting and guidelines of restraint in education. Yet, students, parents, and advocacy groups continue to call upon state representatives to enact policies that will ensure the misuse of restraint comes to an end. My research aims to understand the social shifts and changes that have occurred surrounding the reporting of restraint and seclusion. What leads to restraint and seclusion policy to be proposed and passed? Why has recent policy regarding the use of restraint and seclusion failed?  Who is leading the conversations about the underreporting of restraint and seclusion?

There is no federal policy or law that specifically details restrictions of restraint and seclusion. Therefore, it is up to the state to decide. I aim to understand how policy and attitudes surrounding restraint and seclusion have changed in the past 25 years in Texas and a comparative state.