Hacking School Discipline: Restorative Justice in Education

Introduction: Need for Restorative Justice

• Statistics and Disparities
  • Over 3.5 million students suspended in schools (2011-2012).
  • Black students are suspended/expelled 3 times as often as white students.
  • Students with disabilities suspended twice as often as non-disabled peers.
• Zero Tolerance Policies
  • Lead to disproportionate suspensions and expulsions.
  • Contribute to the "school-to-prison pipeline."
• Educational Responsibility
  • Every behavior is communication.
  • Discipline should be a teachable moment.

Restorative Justice Approach

• Principles
  • Focuses on communication and repairing harm.
  • Builds empathy and responsibility.
  • Strengthens relationships within communities.

Key Concepts and Strategies

Hack 1: Let's Talk - Creating a Culture of Communication

• Problem: Students are not heard; punitive systems are ineffective.
• Hack: Use open-ended questions and restorative mediation.
  • Steps: Identify behavior, mediation discussion, positive resolution.
• Goals: Guide students to share their stories and repair harm.

Hack 2: Circle Up - Address Issues Immediately

• Problem: Classroom issues not resolved within the classroom.
• Hack: Use circles for direct communication and resolution.
  • Include all stakeholders in discussion and repair process.

Hack 3: Repair the Harm

• Problem: Punitive consequences do not work.
• Hack: Teach students to take responsibility.
  • Custom consequences that relate to the harm caused.

Hack 4: Throw Out the Rules

• Problem: Rules are often too rigid and don't cover all situations.
• Hack: Create clear and consistent expectations instead.
  • Engage students in creating class expectations for ownership.

Hack 5: Create a Growth Mindset

• Problem: Many students have a fixed mindset.
• Hack: Encourage resilience and belief in personal growth.
  • Use experiences and reflection to develop growth mindset.

Hack 6: Teach Mindfulness

• Problem: Students lack self-awareness and regulation.
• Hack: Incorporate mindfulness practices and self-regulation tools.
  • Use techniques like mindful breathing, recognizing triggers.

Hack 7: Cultivate Empathy

• Problem: Students lack empathy skills.
• Hack: Teach empathetic communication techniques.
  • Use body language, reflective listening, and exposure to diversity.

Hack 8: Build Restorative Support

• Problem: School-wide policies often miss individual needs.
• Hack: Integrate restorative practices with MTSS.
  • Use tiered support systems and relationship-building.

Hack 9: Create a Snapshot

• Problem: Lack of actionable data on student behavior.
• Hack: Use data to track behaviors and address recidivism.
  • Implement a system for consistency in expectations and consequences.

Conclusion

• Restorative practices focus on teaching emotional regulation, communication, and empathy.
• Aim to reduce suspensions and expulsions, improve achievement, and foster a positive school culture.