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.
RP utilizes the following strategies to address wrongdoing and reduce the likelihood of recurrence:
- Mediate with the people in conflict
- Provide a service, such as cleaning, gardening, helping younger students, or working on a service school project
- Meet with a mentor at school no less than once a week
- Attend counseling, such as anger management, anti-bullying, or anti-bias sessions
- Pay for or repair the damage, such as removing graffiti and working with custodians
- Attend a family or community restorative conference arranged by an external agency
