Restorative Justice Practices Youth and Adult Partnership: Better Classroom Management Colonial Community Criminal Justice Board

What is Restorative Justice Practice? A philosophy of justice that emphasizes on repairing the harm caused by negative actions. This philosophy is focused on the of healing relationships that have been broken by conflict and crime. Practices and programs reflecting restorative principles will respond to the wrong doing by: 1. identifying and taking steps to repair harm,   2. involving all  stakeholders, and 3. transforming the traditional relationship of retribution to reparative between communities and their response to the wrong doing

Restorative Justice Practice Students learn: 1. Recognition 2. Victimization/Impaction 3. Empathy 4. Respect 5. Positive processing 6. Pro-social relationship building 7. Boundary setting 8. Problem solving 9. Appropriate reintegration Benefits of usage: 1. Issues can be addressed prior to escalation 2. Consequence to fit the action 3. Focus on relationships 4. Positive conflict resolution 5. Appropriate reintegration of student 6. Conducive environment for teaching and learning 7. Overall collaborative atmosphere between students, families and faculty 8. Recertification Points

Restorative Justice RJ Practices Conferencing Mediation Victim assistance Ex-offender assistance Restitution Community service Who is using RJP Schools Courts Criminal Justice Agencies Communities Promoting better behavior, respect, attitude, conflict resolution, empowerment, a sense of ownership, repairing of relationships and setting appropriate expectations for the next step!

Restorative Justice started Fall 2006 with Conferencing Findings from Schools Implementing Restorative Practices Source: S. Rodriguez, Principal, Pottstown High School Feb. 2009; Improving School Climate Pottstown High School, Pottstown PA Grades 9-12, 63 Teachers, 873 Students School experiencing following issues along with academic probation in Fall 2005 Lack of community spirit, Disrespect to teachers, Cutting classes, Classroom disruption, and Physical fights. Restorative Justice started Fall 2006 with Conferencing Removed from academic probation Student test scores have improved Behavior has improved with reduction in discipline problems Staff are united and inspired (“Teachers used to be afraid to deal with students in the hallways; and students felt that staff were like police. There’s no more feeling of us versus them. Staff and kids are all one team”)

Pottstown High School Outcomes Other Schools that have achieved similar outcomes of reduced incidents and increased positive school climate: West Philadelphia High School Newtown Middle School Palisades High School Palisades Middle School Springfield Township High School

What’s happening in JHS Restorative Justice Practice> 9th grade core CIRCLES CONFERENCING Introduction of Restorative Justice> Spring 2009 Practice Workshop> June 2009 Faculty began experimenting with Restorative Justice Practices> Fall 2009 Monthly workshops (re-certs earned)> provision of support, updates and group resolution and planning for next steps

What are CIRCLES? Types of Circles Designed to assist in classroom management, academic issues and relationship growth by: Endorsing relationships and opening communication Encouraging community and accountability within the classroom Creating a group culture Types of Circles Check In/Out Classroom Management Academic Business/Goal Setting Behavior “When people feel connected to one another through mutual understanding and empathy, they are less likely to misbehave or treat others disrespectfully”

What’s Conferencing? Through face to face meeting with all involved parties, the “wrong doer” has a direct say in how the harm can be repaired with understanding the full impact of the situation. Benefits 1. Resolution is more meaningful, effective and fits the wrong doing 2. Most participants do not re-offend 3. Both victim and wrong doers needs are met 4. Increased communication and leadership skills 5. Creates a successful plan of reintegration with expectations re-established Goal of the conference is to REPAIR RELATIONSHIPS and establish a successful and agreed upon future plan.

QUESTIONS? Making the school environment more conducive to better learning and promoting positive relationships, increasing academic performance, test scores and attendance.