Instructional Playbook

Restorative Practices

Proactive Strategies of Restorative Practices: Building Relationships and Communities

1. Relationships & Connections: relationships build connections that help build a safe climate in classrooms and schools. 2. Listening Skills: good listening skills allow us to show greater empathy and have a better perspective to move forward together. 3. Affective Statements: affective statements allow the speaker to own their own feelings and not place blame or judgment. 4. Proactive Circles: the circle process helps create community as well as assist in conflict resolution. 5. Inclusive Decision Making: those affected by decisions are provided opportunities to be include in the decision-making process, thereby contributing to an inclusive culture where all voices are valued.

Traditional Approach

Restorative Approach

Misbehavior is defined as

Breaking school rules, disobeying authority

Harm done to one person or group by another

Authority figure establishing what rules are broken, and who is to blame

Everyone working to problem solve, build relationships, and achieve a mutually-desired outcome

Process relies on

Understanding the impact of actions, taking responsibility for choices, and suggesting ways to repair harm and restore community

Accountability defined as

Receiving punishment

Goal of the response

Pain or unpleasantness to deter/prevent

Meaningful restituiton to reconcile and acknowledge responsibilty for choices

Short term--behaviors often stop in the moment but return once the punishment is over

Long term--students learn critical social and emotional skills that serve them in college, career, and life

Effects of the response