As a certified school psychologist and behavior analyst, I must say there are many things wrong with this procedure portrayed in the video. First of all, this is in clear violation of <strong>Rules on Corporal Punishment, Physical Confinement and Detention, and Physical Restraint</strong> that most States have in their Code. I work in Iowa and this would be a direct violation of Chapter 103(b). I am certain North Dakota has similar statutes and laws.
Secondly, there is no indication that they are looking at function of behavior (reason why it is occurring). Timeout can be an effective procedure, but it typically, and usually, is not effective in isolation. I realize that we do not know what other strategies are being used, but it is a point that needs to be made. Timeout if used on a student whose function is "escape", would be very dangerous. Dangerous in the fact that the student is more likely to escalate behavior if the function is not fulfilled immediately. Using this sparingly without other strategies would in fact be teaching the wrong behavior. Of course I am speaking in generalities as none of know the rest of the story.
The last point I would like to make is one regarding the filmmaker. Aside from the creepy and low-tech camera work that looks like it is from 1992, we have some FERPA violations as well. Did this child's parent give consent to appear on this video explaining the timeout? Were the parents notified that you would be posting this online? I applaud the "whistleblowing" as this is a potentially serious issue (see Waukee timeout). As Waukee CSD learned from its egregious, yet well-intended mistake, Leeds must do the same. I am sure this is a case of well-intentions, however, if you are not educated about the procedure, DO NOT DO IT
