Isolation Box in Elementary Schools: Therapeutic or Cruel and Unusual Punishment?

This morning I saw a report on Komo 4 News about Mint Valley Elementary School in Longview, WA.  This particular school deems it necessary to place children in their special education programs into an isolation booth as a " therapeutic calming method" when the children get out of line.  The school has been using this method for the past for years and claims to have parents sign waivers at the beginning of the school year to allow this method to be used for their children.  The issue arose today because a few parents stepped forward stating they never signed a waiver and their children were still placed in this isolation box at the school.  Worst of all, the children complained to their parents that they weren't posing a threat to themselves, other classmates or weren't even being disrespectful in the classroom environment.  They did admit that they were either crying or tapping on their desk which led them to be placed in this booth.  This isolation booth is conveniently located in the storage area of the school. (see picture below)  With this booth being located in the storage area of the school - who monitors the children while they are placed in isolation?  Hmmm...I wish they would do that to my child!  NOPE!  Not at all okay!



How is this method therapeutic?  It seems very abusive to me.  I have two children.  Neither of them are in special education programs, however, I don't see how this method would be necessary for a child inside or outside of that program.  I also don't understand what type of parent would agree to such punishment for their child (or any child) that is in elementary school.  In my opinion this method seems more harmful than helpful and is very damaging to a young child's mental state.  With the lack of supervision and accountability between the school superintendent / principals and the staff - anything is liable to happen.  Most times I feel like teachers aren't trained to deal with children that may have more behavioral and/or educational challenges.  I am all for smaller class sized in schools so that teachers can dedicate more time to their students.  There also needs to be more up to date training for teachers on how to effectively handle difficult types of children and situations versus suspending them, sending them to detention or isolating them in a box.  Man...woman...young or old....How would that make you feel? 

For more information on this story and comments from other readers please see the link below:

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Isolation-box-Abuse-or-therapy-for-Longview-school-kids-181195571.html