Restorative Justice Practices Keep Students Connected to their School
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Utilizing Restorative Circles
Restorative justice practices ( RJP ) are an alternative approach to justice that promotes the notion that everyone has a responsibility to the improvement of such systems . It contrasts with the more commonly used punitive methods , which focus on punishing offenders and satisfying legal principles . A system based on RJP relies heavily on conflict resolution through telling the truth , acknowledging responsibility , and creating accountability .
School-based restorative justice extends a respectful alternative to dealing with misbehavior and crimes , from minor infractions to violence . Used proactively , it can also be used to create a culture of connectivity that benefits everyone , but mostly the students . Why is that ?
Because , feeling connected to school has been found to be one of the most important protective factors for youth at risk of dropping out of school . When students feel they belong in their school , they are more likely to mature to be healthy , productive adults .
“ What we have found from our research is that kids who felt connected to school . . . smoked less , drank alcohol less , had a later age of sexual debut and attempted suicide less . On top of this , from the educational literature , they do better across every academic measure we have . As our research expanded , [ we learned that ] this is not just an association — kids who smoke less also felt more connected to school . It is a causal relationship . There is something in that bond , in that connection to school that changes the life trajectory –– at least the health and academic behavior . It is very powerful –– second only to parents in power . In some contexts , it ’ s more powerful than parents .” Robert Blum , professor and chair , Department of Population and Family Health Sciences , Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health What is the outcome for students who
lose out on being connected ? About 75 percent of America ’ s state prison inmates did not complete high school . Dropouts are more than eight times as likely to be in jail or prison as high school graduates . ( www . silentepidemic . org , 2008 ).
Restorative approaches have a social justice theory : students are happier , more cooperative , achieve more academically , and are more likely to make positive changes in their behavior when those in positions of authority do things with them , rather than do things to them or for them . This hypothesis is supported by brain research on stress , motivation , learning and memory .
Circle # 1
A school behavioral specialist tells about using a restorative circle to improve relationships and enhance learning :
One day , two middle school students came to me in tears . “ We need an RJ circle on teaching
4 Iredell-Statesville School & Family