Step Up, Sit BackJessica WebsterAsst. PrincipalHopewell Area School DistrictAliquippa, PA

Follow me on twitter @jgroteweb

Demographics

This year alone:

4 International Students enrolled

(< 1%) ELL

Issues and Opportunities

Issues:

Teaching staff demographics do not reflect student body

Lack of culture around diversity and cultural competence

Lack of dialogue around equitable practices

Opportunities:

PA School Climate Initiative

Shell Corporation Cracker Plant

New central administration

Fair Process

● Engagement — involving individuals in decisions that affect them by listening to their views and genuinely taking their opinions into account

● Explanation — explaining the reasoning behind a decision to everyone who has been involved or who is affected by it

● Expectation clarity — making sure that everyone clearly understands a decision and what is expected of them in the future (Kim & Mauborgne, 1997)

ShameBrene Brown

● Shame is the most powerful, master emotion. It’s the fear that we’re not good enough.

● Shame, blame, disrespect, betrayal, and the withholding of affection damage the roots from which love grows. Love can only survive these injuries if they are acknowledged, healed and rare.

● Shame corrodes the very part of us that believes we are capable of change.

● If we share our shame story with the wrong person, they can easily become one more piece of flying debris in an already dangerous storm.

If we can share our story with someone who responds with empathy and understanding,

shame can’t survive.

Restorative Approaches build space for equitable practice

Genuineness - honesty, openness, sincerity.

Positive regard for all individuals - valuing the person for who they are.

Empathic understanding – being able to understand another’s experience.

Individual responsibility and shared accountability.

Self-actualization - the human capacity for positive growth.

Optimistic perspectives on personal development - that people can learn and can change for the better.

Iceberg AnalogyRelationshipsBuildingRepairingMaintaining

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes

Values and Philosophy

Restorative Practices Training for Staff

Values and Philosophy

Affective Statements

● I feel… when you… because…● Respectful tone● Respectful tone● Focus on behavior, not shame● Cumulative Effect

Circles

● Get acquainted● Building trust● Establishing Values and Philosophy

Isn’t this what we want for all schools and classrooms?

A more respectful climate;

Better relationships amongst children and staff;

People being more honest and willing to accept responsibility;

People feeling more supported when things go wrong;

Staff Circles

Faculty meetings

Grade level or department tensions and conflict

Team building circles

District Equity Team

Curriculum Development