Restorative Practices (RP)
In conjunction with or as an alternative to traditional discipline methods, restorative justice practices prevent and address behaviors that hurt individuals, families, the school, and community. Repairing the harm and relationships between those involved become the focus. The Burlington School District has made RP a top priority to reduce suspensions and expulsions and improve academic performance. Research has demonstrated that RP schools result in positive student outcomes, such as increased problem-solving skills and improved ability to understand peers, manage emotions, develop greater empathy, resolve conflict with parents, and maintain positive relationships.
We know we are embodying Restorative Practices when we are…
Focusing on building and repairing relationships
- Every student has (at least) one adult at school they trust and can talk with
- District employees feel valued, heard, and respected
- Responses to harm seek to repair the harm done to those impacted
Engaging in collaborative problem solving
- Arriving at solutions by involving those affected and impacted
- Creating a safe environment and empowering all to have a voice, especially those who usually aren’t heard
Enhancing responsibility
- Creating the opportunity for everyone to understand how our actions impact others and take responsibility for them
- Building classroom norms and expectations together and working together to address situations when they’re not followed
Empowering change and growth
- Approaching situations when things go wrong as an opportunity for growth and learning for everyone involved, and especially for whoever caused the harm
- Creating the environment in which everyone can take responsibility for their actions
Giving voice to people who have been harmed
- Working together so that solutions meet the needs of those harmed
Giving voice to those who have caused harm
- Allowing growth, personalized learning, and inclusion to occur
Planning for reintegration into the school community
- Finding ways for all to feel safe and supported through and beyond the transition
For more information on Restorative Practices in the Burlington School District, click here.
