The training, provided by behavior management training organization Crisis Prevention Institute, would provide mandatory training in de-escalation and restraint techniques for thousands of employees, including teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators and campus behavior coordinators.
While mandates are specific to special education staff, several trustees at the Nov. 3 board meeting raised the possibility of expanding the training to general education teachers to support inclusive classrooms and better accommodate students with disabilities or behavioral challenges as the district nears a record-high 16% special education enrollment.
The gist
Chief Academic Officer Adam Stephens said approximately 4,000 FBISD employees—including paraprofessionals, teachers, administrators and campus behavior coordinators—are required to maintain certification in de-escalation and restraint training under state mandates.
He said the program helps ensure compliance with state safety regulations, while promoting compassionate, evidence-based practices for managing behavioral crises.
“This is training that we use when a student is a threat to themselves or to their peers,” Stephens said. “It teaches staff ... how they can safely physically restrain the student without causing harm to the student.”
What they’re saying
While the training is required for special education staff, several trustees raised the possibility of extending the training to general education teachers, particularly those who serve students with disabilities or behavioral challenges.
“I think the way that we encourage inclusive education is to make sure that we prepare our general [education] teachers, because oftentimes behavior is used as a barrier for placement,” board President Kristin Tassin said. “To the extent we can break down that barrier and ensure that our teachers are trained—supported also, for sure, but trained—I think that would be helpful.”
Stephens said general education teachers who wish to participate in CPI training are welcome to do so, and district officials will explore ways to make the program more widely accessible in the future.
The details
Six vendors responded to the district’s call for proposal submissions for de-escalation training, according to district documents. Following an evaluation process led by district administrators, CPI was selected through the “best value” method in accordance with district and state policy. CPI had previously been awarded a similar contract for de-escalation services in June 2020.
Expenditures are not expected to exceed $200,000 per year, with funding drawn from both the general fund and federal sources, per agenda documents.
Moving ahead
The board will vote on the contract at the Nov. 17 board meeting, per district documents.
