What is Restorative Practice?
Restorative practice is an emerging social science that studies how to strengthen relationships between individuals as well as social connections within communities. Relationships are central to having success in growing as an individual and helping others grow as learners and citizens.
Restorative Practices implementation statewide with school administration, staff, students, and community members has allowed communities to implement restorative protocols and improve their climate and culture. To accomplish this, all stakeholders must have a voice in how relationships are repaired when harm has been done. It is all about WITH one another, not about or to one another.
The restorative approach has proven to help people think about classroom management, detentions, suspensions, and expulsions with the goal of keeping students in school, safe, positive, and engaged. The central philosophy is to provide a safe and caring place where all stakeholders have a voice in what happens. The results have proven to increase success for all stakeholders.
“The fundamental premise of restorative practices is that people are happier, more cooperative and productive, and more likely to make positive changes when those in authority do things WITH them, rather than TO them or FOR them.” – Ted Wachtel, International Institute for Restorative Practice