Restorative Justice in Oakland Schools
Origin: Oakland Unified School District
Bill Name/Number: Restorative Justice in Oakland Schools: An Effective Strategy to Reduce Racially
Disproportionate Discipline
Link: Click here
Summary: In 2005, OUSD started the Whole School Restorative Justice (WSRJ) program, and more recently, the
Peer RJ program aimed to reduce harm, build community, and ensure successful re-integration of marginalized
students coming from the juvenile justice system. This report looks at the impacts and implementation of
restorative justice practices from the past decade.
Talking Points & Important Information:
• Students in restorative justice circles report enhanced ability to understand peers, manage emotions, greater
empathy, resolve conflict with parents, improve home environment, and maintain positive relationships with
peers. They are learning life skills, and sustainable conflict management skills.
• Over 60% of the staff believe that implementation of restorative practices in their school have helped to reduce
suspensions at the school.
• Suspensions have declined significantly in OUSD in the past three years. The most significant decline has
been for African American students suspended for disruption/willful defiance, which went down from 1,050 to
630—a decrease of 40% or 420 fewer suspensions in only one year. The African American suspension rate for
disruption/willful defiance also declined significantly by 37% from 7.4 to 4.7 within that year.
• In terms of academic achievement, reading levels as measured by SRI in grade 9 doubled in restorative
justice (RJ) high schools from an average of 14% to 33%, an increase of 128%, compared to 11% of students
in non-RJ high schools. From 2010-2013, RJ high schools experienced a 56% decline in high school dropout
rates in comparison to 17% for non-RJ high schools. And four-year graduation rates in RJ schools increased
significantly more than non-RJ schools (public schools only) in the past three years post-RJ intervention—a
cumulative increase of 60% for RJ schools, compared to 7% for non-RJ schools.
• For more on restorative justice practices in schools, click here.
2015 POLICY BOOK
SCHOOL
BOARD
LEVEL
PAGE 38