Unit 1: Understanding Restorative Practices
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Unit overview
While completing a needs assessment to aid in the design of this mini-course it was evident that many teachers have mixed feelings when it comes to restorative practices (RP). As a current buzz topic in education, many teachers have heard of RP, and possibly even work in districts that are actively transitioning toward a restorative model. Originating from a set of practices in the criminal justice sector from the 1970s the goal of RP is centered around restoring the harm an individual may have caused. There has been a lot of promising research showing RP as an alternative to the more traditional and punitive disciplinary system. When done well RP presents a significant reduction in disciplinary incidents, promotes empathy, and encourages accountability. However RP is hard to do well, it is not a change that can be made overnight and many teachers have stated that RP is inconsistent and lacks consequences, thus is failing to address harmful behaviors. To the point where many teachers checked out of the idea entirely. So where do we stand?
The schools where RP works are ones where there is consistent implementation and sufficient teacher buy-in. Consistency is key, and with many teachers starting to lose faith the goal of this unit is to reframe your current understanding of RP as a set of practices, many of which you likely already do, that build empathy, allow for mature conflict resolution, and foster self-advocacy and leadership skills. If each of us focuses our efforts on consistently carrying out the small things we can create a larger wave of effective restorative practices in the school community.
Learning objectives
- As a learner you will be able to confidently describe restorative practices and their use in day-to-day teaching and learning environments.
Activity Break down
Step 1: Reflect on your current understanding and relationship with RP.
Step 2: Learn something new by choosing to engage in two of the following:
- Watch two videos on RP and their impact on school communities
- Read a book section describing the foundations of RP
- Listen to a podcast addressing the reality punitive discipline in schools and RP as a solution to that reality
Step 3: Reflect on your learning.
Step 1: Reflect on your current understanding of restorative practice
Before we get into the meat and potatoes introducing you to restorative practices reflect on your current understanding and relationship with RP and its use in your school.
Click the link to complete your reflection.
Think and Reflect
Step 2: Learn something new
Choose two of the following to engage in: Watch - Read - Listen. You will discuss and reflect on your learning in the next step. It may be beneficial for you to take notes and/or jot down ideas as you learn. Focus your learning on how the information applies to you and compares to your current understanding of restorative practice.
Watch: Restorative practices in schools
Restorative Practices in Schools Have Power to Transform Communities | Liz Knapp - Link
Liz provides a powerful example showing why restorative practices work their impact on the greater community, and the reasons so many schools are starting to make the switch.
What is Restorative Practices? IIRP Graduate School - Link
The International Institute for Restorative Practices provides a brief overview of the goals, intentions, and outcomes associated with restorative practices.
Read: Better Than Carrots or Sicks Chapters 1 & 2
Chapter 1 is an overview of restorative practices in schools. What works, why it works, and the data to prove it. As you read focus on the ways RP applies to the broader school community; reflect on why consistency between school staff members may be important when we start making the switch to restorative systems in schools.
Chapter 2 covers the foundations of a teacher's restorative practice tool kit. The switch to RP may be daunting but most teachers are already using many of these practices. Making the switch is a matter of being aware, intentional, and consistent with our practice. Reflect on the restorative practices you are already using and if you are using them intentionally and consistently.
You can find the chapters using the link below.
Smith, D., Fisher, D., Frey, N. (2015). Better Than Carrots Or Sticks: Restorative Practices for Positive Classroom Management. United States: ASCD.
Listen: Inspiring Radical Empathy
Inspiring Radical Empathy Podcast Season 1: Episode 4 - Restorative Justice in Schools. In this episode, Jessica Nordquist, Assistant Director of School-based Programs at the Center for Youth Services, and Nolica Murray a school social worker with 20 years of experience, address the reality that many schools overuse suspension, expulsion, and other harsh disciplinary policies. Thus increasing the likelihood that students will enter the juvenile or criminal justice system. This impacts children of color, LGBTQ folks, and students with different learning abilities at a disproportionate rate compared to their counterparts. RP provides us with a potential solution to this reality. As you listen pay attention to the things that surprise you, and how RP may play out in your classroom and district.
You can listen wherever you typically get your podcasts or by clicking the link:
Step 3: Demonstrate your learning.
Complete the following reflection and discussion by clicking the link:
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Whats Next?
Unit 1 has us looking at the big picture of restorative practice in schools. What they are, why they work, and and the foundations of a teacher's restorative practice toolkit. Unit 2 takes us to practical strategies you can implement in your classroom to create a restorative classroom community.