Restorative PracticesOverview

Special Thanks to:Dr. Kim BoydMs. Liz Dalzell-WagersMr. Ron HamiltonMr. David WatsonThe D49 RAMP CouncilThe D49 DAAC

THE GOAL OF RESTORATIVE PRACTICE IN SCHOOL

COMMUNITIES

To manage conflict and tensions by repairing harm and strengthening relationships as a way of building community.

- Les Davey, Director-IIRP United Kingdom

What Restorative Means

• Restorative means ‘making things new again’• What do you need to do to ‘restore’ your relationship if you

hurt somebody or make that person feel negative emotions?

• To be ‘restorative’ you need to be accountable, not repeat the behavior, and make things right through dialogue with the goal of building or maintaining relationships.

Relationships and Learning

Basic Concepts:• Good relationships are the basis for learning• Anything that affects relationships [such as inappropriate

behavior] impacts learning

• Challenging inappropriate behavior needs to be experienced as an opportunity for learning

Shaping Mindset: Growth or Fixed ?

“Learning is enhanced by challenge and is impeded by threat.”

- Terry O’Connell, Director-Real Justice Australia

As a society, when someone does the wrong thing, what is the typical response?

Blame & Punishment

What is the first question we ask when someone does the wrong thing?

If we ask “why”, what answers do we expect to get?

What is the problem with the “why” question?

How does blame impact learning?

Simple Contrast

Adversarial (Blame) approach:“What happened, who is to blame, what punishment or sanction is needed?”

Restorative approach:“What happened, what harm has resulted and what needs to happen to make things right?”

Adversarial

Focus is in the past

Preoccupied with blame

Deterrence linked to punishment

Restorative

Focus in past, present & future

Emphasis on resulting harm

Deterrence linked to relationships and personal accountability

‘Consequences [may include punishment] are an important part of Restorative Practice. This involves dialogue and respectful challenge.’

So, what does Restorative Practice look like?

Dialogue

Restorative Practices Include:• Being respectful and fair

• Repairing harm

• Restoring and building relationships

• Developing empathy

• Promoting positive behavior change

Restorative Practice Checklist

Strategy Culture Brand

Who We Are

LOW

HIGH

HIGH

TO WITH

NOT FOR

Punitive“Fixed Mindset”(Authoritarian)

Restorative“Growth Mindset”

(Authoritative)

Neglectful“Fixed Mindset”(Irresponsible)

Permissive“Fixed Mindset”(Paternalistic)

Accountable &

Transparent(challenge)

Adapted from Social Discipline Window - Paul McCold and Ted Wachtel - 2000

Respectful & Caring (support)

How We Treat Each Other

Compass of Shame

WITHDRAW

AVOID

ATTACK SELF HATE

Adapted from Nathanson’s Compass of Shame - 1992

Restoration versus Shame

What needs to happen for a fair process to be experienced?

Engagement: Opportunity to have a say

Explanation: Understand the reasons for the decision

Expectation Clarity:

Shared understanding on what is expected in terms of behavior and rules

Kim & Mauborgne, Harvard Business Review, July – August 1997

Fair Process

• Trust• Commitment • Cooperation

This enhances learning, creativity, moral development and helps build stronger relationships

Kim & Mauborgne, Harvard Business Review, July – August 1997

What Fair Process Achieves

When challenging behavior, why would the following questions consistently achieve “fair process”?

• What happened?• What were you thinking at the time?• What have you thought about since?• Who has been affected by what you did?• In what way?• What do you think you need to do to make things right?

Restorative Questions

Is My Practice?

Respectful (Distinguishing behavior from the person)

Fair (Engaging, with Explanations & clarify Expectations)

Restorative by repairing harm and building relationships

Does My Practice?

Develop Empathy (through reflection, insight & learning)

Enhance responsibility and accountability

Promote positive behavior change

Restorative Practice Self-Affirmation

Intentional and deliberate action steps are required to enhance the Process PACE (Performance Ascending to Continuous Excellence) of District 49’s Restorative Practices culture:

• BOE adopts a resolution to make Restorative Practice the framework to shape student conduct and discipline

• BOE discipline policies are revised to incorporate Restorative Practice• Restorative Practices curriculum is delivered to D49 stakeholders

• Funding sources (grants, scholarships, etc.) are identified for IIRP training• Professional development time is identified and scheduled for IIRP training

• The Common Discipline Matrix is revised to incorporate Restorative Practices• Building-level discipline procedures and practices are reviewed/revised to

attain alignment with Restorative Practice philosophy • District 49 and the Zones should support existing restorative programs (e.g.,

Capturing Kids’ Hearts, Boys’ Town, Challenge Day, etc.) while assessing and closing restorative gaps in all district schools

The Way Ahead

Questions?