Relationships are fundamental to education. This isn't news. Today, more than ever, though, relationships are a key ingredient in the educational experience. Coming out of COVID and the racial uprisings of the summer of 2020 our communities, and our schools, feel more and more isolated and fragmented. As schools worked to adapt to the new reality many took the opportunity to implement a system of restorative justice rather than the exclusionary discipline practices (suspensions and expulsions) that had been the norm. This session takes the wisdom, expertise, and experiences of participants and engages with the foundational mindsets, beliefs, practices, and skills of restoration so that when implemented in a classroom, a building, or even entire districts they have the powerful, equitable, and just impact they are capable of producing. Participants will emerge from this session with: a through understanding of the origins, history and principles of restoration. Additionally, participants will leave with an understanding of the different elements and tools that comprise restorative practice. Finally, participants will leave with a concrete plan to use restorative practices in their everyday roles within the school.
