YOUTH AND ADULT PARTNERSHIP: BETTER CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT

COLONIAL COMMUNITY CRIMINAL JUSTICE BOARD

Restorative Justice Practices

What is Restorative Justice Practice?

A philosophy of justice that emphasizes on repairing the harm caused by negative actions. This philosophy is focused on the of healing relationships that have been broken by conflict and crime.

Practices and programs reflecting restorative principles will respond to the wrong doing by:

1. identifying and taking steps to repair harm,  2. involving all  stakeholders, and3. transforming the traditional relationship of

retribution to reparative between communities and their response to the wrong doing

Restorative Justice Practice

Students learn:

1. Recognition 2.

Victimization/Impaction3. Empathy4. Respect5. Positive processing6. Pro-social relationship

building7. Boundary setting8. Problem solving9. Appropriate

reintegration

Benefits of usage:

1. Issues can be addressed prior to escalation

2. Consequence to fit the action

3. Focus on relationships4. Positive conflict resolution5. Appropriate reintegration

of student6. Conducive environment for

teaching and learning7. Overall collaborative

atmosphere between students, families and faculty

8. Recertification Points

Restorative Justice

Promoting better behavior, respect, attitude, conflict resolution, empowerment, a sense of ownership, repairing of relationships and setting appropriate expectations for the next step!

RJ Practices

• Conferencing

• Mediation

• Victim assistance

• Ex-offender assistance

• Restitution

• Community service

Who is using RJP

1. Schools

2. Courts

3. Criminal Justice Agencies

4. Communities

Findings from Schools Implementing Restorative Practices

Source: S. Rodriguez, Principal, Pottstown High School Feb. 2009; Improving School Climate

Pottstown High School, Pottstown PA Grades 9-12, 63 Teachers, 873 Students

School experiencing following issues along with academic probation in Fall 2005

Lack of community spirit, Disrespect to teachers, Cutting classes, Classroom disruption, and Physical fights.

Restorative Justice started Fall 2006 with Conferencing Removed from academic probation Student test scores have improved

Behavior has improved with reduction in discipline problems Staff are united and inspired (“Teachers used to be afraid to deal with students

in the hallways; and students felt that staff were like police. There’s no more feeling of us versus them. Staff and kids are all one team”)

Pottstown High School Outcomes

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

2005/2006 2006/2007 2007/2008

Disciplinary Sanctions (misbehavior/detention/OSS)

Behavioral Incidents (fighting & café. Issues)

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

2005/2006 2006/2007 2007/2008

Other Schools that have achieved similar outcomes of reduced incidents and increased positive school climate:

West Philadelphia High School Newtown Middle SchoolPalisades High School Palisades Middle School

Springfield Township High School

What’s happening in JHS

Restorative Justice Practice> 9th grade coreCIRCLES

CONFERENCING1.Introduction of Restorative Justice> Spring 20092.Practice Workshop> June 20093.Faculty began experimenting with Restorative

Justice Practices> Fall 20094.Monthly workshops (re-certs earned)> provision of

support, updates and group resolution and planning for next steps

What are CIRCLES?

Designed to assist in classroom management, academic issues and relationship growth by:

Endorsing relationships and opening communication Encouraging community and accountability within the

classroom Creating a group culture

Types of Circles Check In/Out Classroom Management Academic Business/Goal Setting Behavior

“When people feel connected to one another through mutual understanding and empathy, they are less likely to misbehave or

treat others disrespectfully”

What’s Conferencing?

Through face to face meeting with all involved parties, the “wrong doer” has a direct say in how the harm can be repaired with understanding the full impact of the situation.

Benefits 1. Resolution is more meaningful, effective and fits the wrong

doing2. Most participants do not re-offend3. Both victim and wrong doers needs are met4. Increased communication and leadership skills5. Creates a successful plan of reintegration with expectations re-

established

Goal of the conference is to REPAIR RELATIONSHIPS and establish a successful and agreed upon future plan.

QUESTIONS?

Making the school environment more conducive to better learning and promoting positive relationships, increasing

academic performance, test scores and attendance.