This is a site that tells all about what is happening in Maine and has lots of resources. Restorative Justice in Midcoast Maine
Here is another web site that is a great resource. Safer Saner Schools. I am always looking for great resources on the internet to find out what other schools are doing. Please check out this website in addition to the other two as it has wonderful explanations of the process and some great videos of students. Healthier San Francisco Schools
I think School Counselors are perfect for Restorative Practice because it is what we do. We want to keep students engaged and connected. School counselors are involved in school safety, connecting all aspects of school through relationship building and we are always trying to have kids "talk it out". Restorative Practice is a way of having structured conversations about relationships and/or problems. We want to find alternatives to punitive responses with students who are having relationship or behavioral situations that impact their education.
The hardest part for middle school students is the awareness about "what is said here, stays here". We can't talk about the other people in the circle because we are building trust. We tell students they can share their part of what happened with their parents. There are rules for circle participants that are reviewed at each circle. These are an example of the guidelines for a community building circle.
Community Building Circle
- Everyone will have a turn to speak and we agree to share the time equally.
- It’s okay to pass and you will have another chance to speak at the end of the circle.
- Stay on topic
- Be as honest as possible
- Listen and speak with respect
- Please do not interrupt a speaker or have private conversations during a circle
- Respect privacy by keeping our conversation confidential.
Circles also require a "talking piece" that is unique to the leader or the group. Sometimes our students pick a class talking piece or I bring my special item with me when I lead circles. There are circles that are applicable to different levels in RTI. Those with a high level of skill at leading circles would lead a targeted or intensive circle.
There are other interventions we use at Tier 1 to support Restorative Practice that will be in later posts. The most important beginning step when thinking about if this type of school wide program is what your school could support is to have Administration "by in". Our forward thinking Assistant Principal came back from a conference saying she loved the idea. I had been waiting to collaborate and jumped at the chance, four years later voila! So check out the web sites and watch this amazing TED Talk. Restorative Practice Ted Talk: Vancouver.
