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Michigan Advocates to End Seclusion and Restraint
Data
All data is from mischooldata.org/districtschool-data-files Michigan’s Center for Educational Performance and Information, Use of Seclusion and Restraint: ISD School Year Totals from multiple years.
What does the latest data tell us?
Michigan data for the 2024-25 school year was released in mid September.
We are finally seeing a
Slight Decrease
although numbers remain shockingly high
Seclusion and restraint continue to be used an average of almost
100 times per day
in Michigan based on a 180 day school year
Students with Disabilities
Nearly 93% of seclusions and restraints are used on students with disabilities
who make up only about 15% of the student population.
Excessive Use
Some ISDs use seclusion & restraint at excessive rates based on their student populations
Repeated Use on the Same Students
Many districts report using seclusion or restraint repeatedly on the same students. In 14 districts, students who were secluded or restrained endured these tactics an average of over 10 times each in a single school year!
Are these districts following Michigan law?
Michigan law protects against repeated use by requiring several steps to eliminate the use of seclusion and restraint when pupils exhibit a pattern of that poses a risk of creating an emergency situation.
Highest Use of Seclusion & Restraint
Highest Use of Seclusion
Highest Use of Restraint
Is there any good news?
Yes! It appears that districts that make a diligent, consistent effort to reduce their use of seclusion and restraint tend to be successful in reducing rates.
Kent ISD adopted it's "Guidelines for Minimizing Exclusionary Discipline and Preventing the Use of Seclusion and Restraint" called Prioritizing Relationships and Student Engagement to Reduce Problem Behavior and was able to see significant reductions throughout the ISD.
Kent ISD implemented Ukeru throughout the district. Ukeru is a hands off approach that prioritizes comfort over control. As a result of this, combined with several other efforts, they were able to see consistent reduction in the use of seclusion and restraint throughout the ISD programs.
In 2022, the Detroit Freepress ran an article highlighting the excessive use of seclusion and restraint reported by Montcalm ISD. The United States Department of Justice opened an investigation and informed Montcalm in 2023. With the treat of the investigation, numbers steadily reduced throughout the ISD.
In June of 2025, Montcalm ISD signed a settlement agreement with the United States. The terms of the settlement include prohibiting seclusion, restricting restraint to situations that pose an imminent risk of serous physical harm, and comprehensive training.
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