In Schools

Why Do We Need Restorative Practices in Schools?

Our world is becoming increasingly disconnected relationally, and our schools are no exception. The current emphasis on testing and academics have discouraged the staff in our schools from addressing the social and emotional aspects of preparing our students to succeed in the world. When students feel disconnected from the community, they often respond with lower academic achievement and/or increased behavior conflicts to meet their needs. Systemic racism and interpersonal biases perpetuate harm inside of schools, disproportionately impacting and pushing out students of color. Exclusionary discipline methods rooted in a "zero-tolerance" mindset--detention, office referrals, and suspensions-- can lead to more destructive outcomes later in life, such as dropping out of school or involvement with the criminal justice system. This repeated pattern of harm and exclusion, and how it consistently funnels youth toward the adult criminal justice system, is referred to as the School to Prison Pipeline. Restorative Justice in Education seeks to interrupt and reimagine the education system through fostering healthy relationships, processing harm in a way that humanizes those involved, and address inequities at every level.

In a restorative school setting, our values, beliefs, and principles act like a compass which guide our actions. This is our RJE compass.

Restorative Practices

In Schools

Cultivates a single-school culture that values respect, relationships and community.

Values the development of social and emotional competencies along with the academic instruction.

Empowers students, teachers and staff to take an active tole in problem solving and discipline.

Handles behavioral incidents in accordance with those values, utilizing a restorative conference process for serious incidents before resorting to exclusionary approaches.

In a Classroom

Fosters empathy and respect for each other, between students and student relationships, but also student and teacher relationships.

Helps students learn to listen to each other, creatively problem solve and resolve their own conflicts.

Seeks to understand the why of a student's behavior.

Uses circles, and activity designed to give everyone a voice, while developing a sense of community.