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Restorative Justice

Restorative justice is a theory of justice that focuses on mediation and agreement rather than punishment. Restorative Justice is a set of practices and values that holistically prevents and repairs harm, builds community and relationships resulting in a positive, supportive school climate.

Tier II comes into play when students break rules and someone has caused harm to someone else. In traditional justice, this is when punishments are meted out. Restorative justice instead turns to mediation. The offending student is given the chance to come forward and make things right by meeting with the affected parties and a mediator, usually a teacher. The mediator asks nonjudgmental, restorative questions like what happen? How did it happen? or What can we do to make it right? Through their discussions, all parties gain a better understanding about what happened, why it happened, and how the damage can be fixed. “They’ll talk about what can be done to repair the harm". They’ll come up with a plan and fulfill that plan. And hopefully the relationship will be stronger. It’s really all about relationships—building and repairing them.”

Talking Circles
Talking circles can be used for discussion, problem solving, and/or decision making. The basic purpose of a talking circle is to create a safe, non-judgmental place where each participant has the opportunity to contribute to the discussion of difficult and/or important issues.

 

Planning a Talking Circle

Before the circle, arrange seating so that it’s in a circle with no tables or desks between participants. Have name tags, refreshments, and any needed activity materials. Have a space to write the values and guidelines and project any visual aids where everyone can see them. Be sure you have your talking piece. You may also put objects of meaning (like textbooks, tools, artwork, etc.) in the center of the talking circle, as a symbolic representation of your shared experiences and knowledge.

 

Circles are characterized by the use of a talking piece, which regulates communication. Both talking and listening are important in the circle because mutual understanding lays the groundwork for deeper, more meaningful discussion.

 

Only participants holding the talking piece can talk. Participants who do not

have the talking piece get to listen and reflect on what the person with the talking piece says. The talking piece is a meaningful and symbolic object that the facilitator, also called the “circle keeper,” brings to the circle. The circle keeper often incorporates an explanation of the meaning of the talking piece into the circle activities. (My recommendation is to avoid using talking pieces about one’s pet unless it directly relates to the topic because participants will talk about their pets even if it is irrelevant to the question at hand.)

 

Receiving the talking piece is an invitation to share with the group and helps ensure that everyone gets an opportunity to share at their own pace and in their own way without interruptions. Participants share what they want, can remain silent during their turn, or pass by giving the talking piece to the next person. The talking piece is passed clockwise around the circle with each participant having a turn to share their authentic personal stories and have them respectfully heard and acknowledged without judgment, condemnation, nor advice (unless advice is solicited).

 

Talking circles can be used for discussion, problem solving, and/or decision making. The basic purpose of a talking circle is to create a safe, non-judgmental place where each participant has the opportunity to contribute to the discussion of difficult and/or important issues. The intent is to provide a safe place for connection and dialogue, meaning that all participants are open to being influenced by what happens during the process and do not enter the process hoping to persuade others or expecting a specific outcome.

 

Talking Circle Guidelines

1. Respect the talking piece so the person who has it can convey their full message without interruption.

2. When you don’t have the talking piece, listen respectfully and reflect upon, consider, and honor the meaning of what others say so you can build on the conversation.

3. You can pass if you need to. Nonverbal communication and silence sometimes say more than words.

4. Mute your cell phone and computer devices so as not to interrupt others.
5. Speak for yourself and from your own experiences and perspectives. Use “I language” and not generic “people think. . .” or sweeping generalizations, like “students want. . .” language.

6. Be courageous, honest, and open with your own stories. Speak your truth from your heart and be open to hearing others’ truths.

7. Listen from the heart, allowing what others say to move you. Bear witness but do not provide advice or argue with others.

8. Honor what others say with confidentiality and integrity, sharing only with context and in relevance to your own life and learning, not as gossip.

 

Peace Circles for Re-Entry
Before a student re-enters your classroom after having been suspended we would like to facilitate a peace circle with them. This will make their transition back into the classroom smoother for everyone. These circles will automatically be scheduled when a student is suspended. This circle will take about 10-15 minutes, and will take place the morning they return from suspension. 

Peace Circles Are Not Just for Conflict
We will focus on a preventative approach to Restorative Justice this year and will work to increase social emotional intelligence that if left unmet could lead to conflict.

Circles can be used to address issues your students face like; racial/ cultural tension, sexuality, gender, or relationship building needs.

Peace Room Rules
No students are allowed in the peace room without adult supervision. Students, who are to be in the peace room, will ALWAYS be picked up by an adult. Students are not to be sent to the peace room because of a discipline issue. Please contact security for any discipline issue that cannot be handled in the classroom. If a student is brought to the peace room by security, or administration, we will do our best to email you a.s.a.p. to let you know the status of the student. The rules of the peace room are set in place for the safety of students, and staff. Please work with us so that we can have a safe and successful school year!