AUGUSTA (AP) — The Maine Legislature's Education Committee has voted to back a compromise reached by teachers, parents and disability rights groups on how much leeway teachers have in physically managing a disruptive student.
A rule that took effect this school year said Maine teachers couldn't use physical restraint unless the student or teacher was in "imminent danger" of harm.
A bill was introduced this session to undo parts of that standard, which some said was too narrow.
The Kennebec Journal reported the compromise language, explained Wednesday to the Education Committee, makes an exception for "physical escort" that would allow temporary touching to "induce" a student to walk to another room.
The group also agreed to eliminate the word "imminent."
The committee voted 12-1 that the suggested amendments should pass.
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