The state Board of Education Monday approved changes to a new statewide policy regarding when and how students may be restrained in public schools. The proposal prohibits physical restraint of students, except when a child's behavior poses imminent danger of serious physical harm.

The proposal also requires school personnel to receive training to help them identify situations considered serious enough for restraint. The amended proposal adds examples of behavior methods used in classrooms that are not considered physical restraint, such as redirecting students to promote safety. It also restricts the restraint of students who use their hands to communicate, such as those who use sign language.