Leaders and Restraints: Investigating How Attitudes of School Leaders Predict the Number of Physical Restraints

This study investigates how attitudes of school leaders predict the number of physical restraints that occur in schools that serve students under IDEA. This study focuses on the attitudes of school leaders from the geographical regions of Virginia in public and private schools. The “Educational Leadership and Behavioral Interventions” survey was used to gather research from 33 schools within Virginia. After collecting the data through the survey, the data was analyzed using a predictive correlation research design. The bivariate linear regression was used to analyze the predictor and criterion variables using SPSS. Based on the results of the data analysis, there was not sufficient evidence to reject the null hypothesis. The survey results show a range of school leader beliefs related to the use of physical restraint in the school setting and give greater insight into the thoughts of current school leaders that have the position to be able to influence the school environment. Based on the survey responses, there is a need for continued and further research in the area of physical restraint including additional research and discussion regarding this topic