#CISDLearns Summer Conference: Social Emotional

The Restorative Approach is a philosophy or guiding principle (not a program or specific activity) that sees relationships as central to learning, growth and a healthy school climate for students and adults. We have been using this approach to build relationships between learners, educators, and administrators at the Compass program at VictoryPlace@Coppell. We have found that discipline issues are reduced and when behavioral issues occurs, the relationships that have already been built by this process (Circles) allow for conflict resolution.

Restorative Practices enable us to integrate and normalize this approach within a school culture. Restorative practices focus on building, maintaining and, when necessary, repairing relationships among all members of a school community.

Restorative rather than punitive approaches to discipline deal more effectively with student misbehavior by encouraging students to be accountable for their actions and find ways to “make things right” with those they have harmed. Restorative discipline empowers students by helping them to learn from their mistakes in a school environment that is caring and responsive.

Restorative practices are proving successful in schools across the country. Within a whole school approach, these practices build a caring school community that supports students, staff and administrators in feeling connected and respected, which enhances learning outcomes. Restorative practices create safe schools where all members of the community are accountable for their actions, resolve conflicts, create positive relationships, and build an inclusive, respectful school culture.