Protecting Student Safety

Nonviolent & Violent Disruptions

The Iowa Legislature expanded on protocols for handling challenging student behavior through Senate File 2428, establishing a process for the removal of a student from a classroom who causes a nonviolent or violent disruption.

Application of State and Federal Law regarding Nonviolent and Violent Disruptions FAQ (174.93 KB) .pdf - Initial implementation support, including information on procedures applicable for situations in which a student receiving special education services is removed from a classroom.

Special Education & Behavior Pilot Program

School districts are encouraged to apply for the special education pilot program established through SF2428 to serve students whose emotional, social or behavioral needs interfere with the student’s ability to be successful in their current educational environment, even with the use of supplementary aids and services.

Special Education and Behavior Pilot Program Application Instructions (163.86 KB) .pdf

Special Education and Behavior Pilot Program Application Rubric (116.53 KB) .pdf

Seclusion, Restraint & Corporal Punishment (Chapter 103)

• Iowa Administrative Code 281-103 Corporal Punishment, Physical Restraint, Seclusion, and Other Physical Contact with Students
• Top 10 Points About Chapter 103 (172.12 KB) .pdf  (7-7-21) - Highlights ten changes to Chapter 103 and includes guidance, key points, and a list of definitions.
• Chapter 103: Seclusion and Restraint Training - A statewide training module is available through AEA Learning Online. The training includes the following topics: an overview of Iowa Code Chapter 103, corporal punishment, reasonable force, disciplinary alternatives to seclusion and restraint, safe and effective use of physical restraint, confinement and detention, crisis prevention, intervention, de-escalation techniques, student and staff debriefing after a crisis, and positive behavior interventions and supports.
• In-School Suspension and Chapter 103 (159.34 KB) .pdf  - Sets forth the Department's conclusion that typical in-school suspension environments do not meet Chapter 103's definition of physical confinement and detention.
• Using Timeout in A Effective and Ethical Manner (268.22 KB) .pdf  (2-27-08) - A practical, hands-on guide for educators seeking research-based methods to improve student behavior. The primary audience is educators and parents who would like guidance on preplanning, appropriate interventions, and follow-up to the use of timeout in Iowa classrooms.

Investigating Allegations of Abuse by School Employees (Chapter 102)

As of July 1, 2025, and pursuant to 2025 Iowa Acts, Senate File 659, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) now has primary responsibility for investigating physical abuse, sexual abuse, and prostitution of students by school employees. HHS created a fact sheet (427.28 KB) .pdf on this new procedure. More information will be forthcoming from HHS and the Department.

(Until June 30, 2025) Iowa Code 280.17 and Iowa Administrative Code 281-102 requires public school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to investigate allegations that employees and agents (including volunteers) engaged in physical or sexual abuse of students. 

(Until June 30, 2025) Chapter 102 Manual: Sample policy on identifying and reporting child abuse (479.82 KB) .pdf Explains the investigation process, including roles of the designated initial investigators (Level 1 Investigators).