1. Define Restorative Practices.

2. Understand how Restorative Practices are integral to positive discipline.

3. Discuss strategies that are commonly integrated within the Restorative Practices framework.

Restorative Program - Restorative Practices

It is essential to distinguish between restorative programs and restorative practices. Restorative programs offer ongoing training and support to school staff to help them learn how to use restorative practices effectively. Restorative practices are the specific actions and strategies in which community members might engage in a restorative school (i.e., a school in which a comprehensive program is being implemented).

Restorative approaches are a central dimension of a whole-child approach to education, recognizing and honoring all students' unique strengths, needs, and interests. Restorative practices support students’ academic, cognitive, and social-emotional growth, physical and mental health and well-being, and the development of their unique identities.

Replaces Punitive/Exclusionary Practices

RP proactively and intentionally focuses on developing a caring learning community, builds healthy coping strategies, and teaches and practices conflict-resolution skills. These intentional strategies help students develop empathy for one another and gain self-awareness to better understand the impact of their choices/behavior.

RP is not a program; it is a framework. RP has deep roots in Indigenous communities where the emphasis is on repairing the harm done to people and relationships rather than only seeking to punish. RP offers a common thread to tie together theory, research, and methods in diverse fields such as education, counseling, criminal justice, psychology, social work, and organizational management.

• Schools are communities created by staff, faculty, students, and families; they are the true experts. Because each school creates its own unique culture, the implementation and practice of Restorative Practices must be tailored to each school's needs, challenges, and strengths and with the knowledge and support of each school community. For this reason, there is no standard program or curriculum. Programs and curricula come and go; restorative practices go deeper and have a lasting impact. 

Common Characteristics/Values of Schools Implementing Restorative Practices

• Every infraction, misbehavior, or conflict is viewed as an opportunity for growth and learning.

• The intrinsic worth of a person and potential contribution to society (school, community, workplace, etc.) are acknowledged and continuously nurtured/ supported.

• A systematic structure provides all students access to a fair and equitable process to solve conflicts and resolve problems.

• When safe environment protocols have been established, open dialogue (including the expression of emotion) becomes the normative experience for all parties within the school community.

• Courageous/critical conversations, demonstrating the power of vulnerability, are modeled by all educators in the school community (without the use of shame).

  • • Traditional Vs. Restorative Infographic

    • The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning provides a comprehensive document describing how restorative practices can align to an approach to schoolwide social and emotional learning and how to implement both in an integrated way.