Restorative Practices

Restorative Justice v. Restorative Practice Restorative Justice – a way of looking at criminal justice that focuses on repairing harm done to people and relationships rather than on punishing offenders (although restorative justice does not preclude incarceration of offenders or other sanctions). Costello, Wachtel & Wachtel, 2010, p. 6 Restorative Practice - A field of study that merges theory, research and practice in education, psychology, sociology, criminology, organizational development and leadership to build community by focusing on repairing harm, responsibility, relationships.

RP connection to Vision 2020 All Jefferson County Public School students graduate prepared, empowered, and inspired to reach their full potential and contribute as thoughtful, responsible citizens of our diverse, shared world. Strategy 1.1.7 Eliminate achievement, learning and opportunity gaps Strategy 2.1.2 Cultivate growth mindset Strategy 2.1.3 Improve culture and climate You cannot correct kids until you connect with kids. -Unknown

RP connection to MDA Vision and Mission MDA is a safe and caring community where all stakeholders are valued and work together to grow socially, academically, and professionally. Mission To bring this vision into reality, all members of our community: will collaborate with students, families, and other stakeholders to communicate academic and social progress and celebrate growth toward future success. You cannot correct kids until you connect with kids. -Unknown

Social Discipline Window A basic premise of restorative practices is that people (students, teachers and staff) are happier and more likely to make positive changes when those in authority (teachers, staff and administrators) do things with them, rather than to them or for them.

Nine innate affects Silvan Tomkins, psychologist – work helps us better understand why human beings act and respond in certain way and why restorative practices work so well. Pleasant Donald Nathanson, psychiatrist extended Tomkins’ work and focused his attention on the affect of shame-humiliation. Unpleasant People’s behavior does not cause feelings. Met/unmet needs cause feelings

Non-Violent Communication (NVC) Observations (what I observe that does not contribute to my well-being) “When I (see/ hear)…” 2. Feelings (how I feel in relation to what I observe) “I feel …” 3. Needs (what I need/value that causes my feelings) “…because I need/value…” 4. Requests (the concrete actions I would like taken) “Would you be willing to…?” “What would you be willing to do?” Marshall B. Rosenberg, www.CNVC.org

How might you address David using NVC?

Restorative Circles Kinds – Proactive, Reactive Community Building, Delivering Content, Problem Solving Check-In, Check-Out Components Circle formation Talking piece Centerpiece Values Rounds – sequential, popcorn, U pick, facilitator’s choice High control, High support Practice, Practice, Practice

Restorative Circles Plan questions and answers Mangos v. Benign lumps (control responses by your response) Practice succinct shares scale share 3 – 5 word answers 1 – 2 sentences Use games to build community The wind blows if… I am like people who… Earth – People Group Juggling

Restorative Practice Continuum

Young Hector called the school recently and wanted to know what to do in order to stay at MDA. I asked why do you want to stay at this school. “I want to stay at MDA because you care about people (kids).”

Resources At MDA, RP will be part of our daily routines and rituals. All personnel will participate and administration will provide support. Please see any counselor for: Circle Ideas Circle Planning Additional Resources