1 of 15

2 of 15

WHY RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PRACTICES VS. ZERO TOLERANCE��

NEVADA - AB 168

​

Restorative justice is an alternative to exclusionary disciplinary practices which removed students from the academic environment; instead, restorative justice seeks to repair the harm done when a standard of conduct is violated. (NRS 392.466.1).

​

A school must provide a plan of action based on restorative justice prior to the removal of a student.

3 of 15

WHAT IS RESTORATIVE PRACTICE

4 of 15

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PRACTICES��

Restorative Justice Practices is a system of formal and informal processes that build and sustain a culture of kindness, respect, responsibility and justice. This is achieved through emphasizing the importance of trusting relationships as central to building community and repairing relationships when harm has occurred. �

5 of 15

RESEARCH SHOWS THE USE OF RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PRACTICES IN SCHOOLS LEADS TO THE FOLLOWING:

​

● Improved school climate for the entire school community.

● Reduction in student absenteeism and tardiness.

● Decreased suspension rates for Black, Latino, Asian, White, disabled, English learner, and free/reduced-price lunch eligible students .

● Reduction in misbehavior, violence, and office referrals.

● Increased school connectedness and improved problem-solving among staff and students.

● The establishment of caring relationships between teachers and students.

6 of 15

RESTORATIVE PRINCIPLES

Relationships are central to building community

Equity of voice

Inclusive decision-making

Shared ownership of classroom and school-wide values

Non-punitive response to wrong-doing

Positive change supported when we do “with” not “for” or “to” others

7 of 15

8 of 15

Tier 1

  • One on one check in with students.

​

  • Circles are formed for introductions, emotional check-ins, lesson reflections, and important conversations, or to address a class procedure that is not working.

​

  • Circles are also used to discuss current issues or events occurring within the world, country, city, school or community.

​

  • Teachers will empower students to share their voices.

● Eating in class, live or on zoom

● Disregarding hallway procedures

● Classroom disruptions

● Student conflicts with peers, teachers, or staff

● Incompletion of classwork

● Chewing gum

● Not wearing a mask

● Cell phone usage during class, live or on zoom.

● Insubordination

● Disrespectful behavior

● Tardiness/absenteeism

● Being unresponsive during class, live or on zoom sessions

9 of 15

RESTORATIVE QUESTIONS

​

Why Do We Ask Questions?

  • Elicit reflection on an incident
  • Encourage understanding of the human impacts of our thoughts, words, and actions.
  • Bring awareness of needs that must be met in order to maintain positive relationship

​

TYPES OF QUESTIONS TO USE.

  • From your perspective, what happened?
  • What were you thinking and feeling at the time?
  • Looking back, how do you feel about things now?
  • Who has been affected? In what ways?
  • What has been the hardest thing for you?
  • What needs to happen now to make things right?

​

10 of 15

Tier 2

If Tier 1 supports are not effective:

​

  • Temporary placement (Parents/guardians will be notified within 24 hours)

​

  • Develop a RAP with the Restorative Justice Team

● A self-reflective plan will be completed by the student

● RAP may include, without limitation: restitution and repair, face-to-face conversations, apology letters,

and other solutions that can help develop character and growth.

● Parents/guardians will be notified within 24 hours of their child’s RAP.

Restorative Action Plan (RAP)

11 of 15

Tier 3

interventions require support from The Restorative Justice Team

​

Students are welcomed after a sustained absence in accordance with Restorative Justice practices

​

Team will continue to provide supports to students

​

Restorative Plan of Action that will be implemented with student(s), containing 3 elements:

​

Restoration, Repair, Reintegration

12 of 15

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

RELATIONSHIPS

TRUST

RESPECT

RESPONSIBILITY

13 of 15

BE PART OF THE TEAM

I am looking for a team of teachers that will help with tribunals, rap development, mentorship, and to promote restorative practice among your peers.

14 of 15

RESTORATIVE PRACTICE RESOURCES

  • The Doral Restorative Justice Program
  • TED TALKS
  • EDUTOPIA
  • The First 40 Days A Guide to Fostering Restorative Classrooms

15 of 15

THANK � YOU

John.scott@doralacademynv.org