Successfully implementing Restorative Practices (RP) within the MTSS framework requires ongoing commitment, professional development, and reflection. In this final post of the series, we will explore the strategies schools can use to sustain RP, ensuring it becomes a permanent and impactful part of the school’s approach to behavior management and social-emotional learning.
Building a Restorative School Culture
For Restorative Practices to be sustainable, they must be woven into the fabric of the school’s culture. This means going beyond one-time interventions and creating an environment where restorative principles are a part of daily interactions.
Here’s how schools can foster a restorative culture:
Leadership Commitment: School leaders play a crucial role in sustaining RP. Administrators should model restorative practices in their interactions with staff and students and support teachers in implementing RP consistently.
Restorative Language: Encourage all staff members to use restorative language in their daily interactions with students. This might include asking reflective questions (“How did your actions affect others?”) or focusing on relationship-building (“How can we work together to resolve this?”).
Student Leadership: Involve students in the implementation of RP by creating restorative leadership roles. Student-led circles, for instance, can empower students to take ownership of the process and encourage their peers to embrace restorative principles.
Ongoing Professional Development
To ensure the long-term success of RP within an MTSS framework, schools must invest in ongoing professional development. This training should be tailored to the school’s evolving needs and focus on deepening staff members’ understanding of RP.
Advanced Training: Offer advanced RP training for staff members who are already familiar with basic restorative techniques. This training might cover complex restorative conferences, conflict resolution, and strategies for engaging reluctant students.
Coaching and Support: Provide teachers with ongoing coaching and support as they implement RP. Coaches can offer feedback, model restorative techniques, and help troubleshoot challenges that arise.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Sustaining RP requires schools to continuously evaluate the effectiveness of their interventions and make adjustments as needed. Here’s how schools can monitor their progress and ensure that Restorative Practices (RP) are making a lasting impact:
Data Collection and Analysis: Regularly collect data on behavioral incidents, restorative interventions, and student outcomes. Schools should track metrics such as the frequency of conflicts, participation in restorative circles, and improvements in social-emotional learning (SEL) skills. By analyzing this data, schools can determine whether RP is reducing disciplinary incidents and improving the overall school climate.
Feedback Loops: Establish a system for gathering feedback from students, staff, and families about their experiences with RP. This feedback can help identify strengths and areas for improvement in the school's approach to RP and ensure that all voices are heard in the process.
Adaptation of Practices: Based on the data and feedback collected, schools should be willing to adjust their approach to RP. This may involve modifying the frequency of restorative circles, introducing new interventions, or offering additional professional development to address specific challenges.
Engaging the Broader School Community
Sustaining RP also requires the involvement of the broader school community, including families and community partners. When all stakeholders are engaged, RP becomes a shared responsibility and is more likely to endure.
Family Involvement: Create opportunities for families to learn about RP and participate in the restorative process. Schools can offer workshops or informational sessions that explain the goals of RP and teach families how to reinforce restorative principles at home.
Community Partnerships: Partner with local organizations, mental health services, and community leaders to support the implementation of RP. Community-based organizations can provide additional resources, such as counseling services, mediation, or mentorship programs, to help sustain restorative efforts.
Cultivating a Growth Mindset
To sustain RP over the long term, schools must cultivate a growth mindset among both students and staff. This involves viewing mistakes and conflicts as opportunities for learning and growth, rather than simply occasions for punishment. Restorative Practices thrive in environments where individuals are encouraged to reflect on their actions, make amends, and continuously improve.
Reflective Practices: Encourage students and staff to engage in regular self-reflection. This might involve journaling about conflicts, discussing challenges in restorative circles, or participating in professional learning communities focused on RP.
Celebrating Successes: Acknowledge and celebrate the successes of RP, both big and small. Whether it’s a decrease in disciplinary referrals or a particularly successful restorative circle, recognizing achievements can motivate the school community to continue investing in restorative practices.
References:
Gregory, A., Clawson, K., Davis, A., & Gerewitz, J. (2016). The Promise of Restorative Practices to Transform Teacher-Student Relationships and Achieve Equity in School Discipline. Journal of Educational and Psychological Consultation.
Evans, K. (2019). Building and Sustaining Restorative Culture in Schools: Beyond Restorative Interventions. Restorative Justice in Education Conference.
Internet Resources:
International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP)
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