School Psychology Newsletter: Counseling Corner

Using Restorative Practices in the Classroom
In general, restorative practices work best as part of a Multi-tiered System of Supports, such as PBIS.

Restorative Practices

• Address and discuss the needs of the school community
• Build healthy relationships between educators and students
• Reduce, prevent, and improve harmful behavior
• Repair, reduce harm, and restore positive relationships
• Resolve conflict, hold individuals and groups accountable

CLASSROOM: The classroom is where most students spend the bulk of the school day in learning environments and interacting with peers. Encourage interventions where the following is modeled:
PERSON: How do I interact with my students? If I see a conflict arising between students, how do I respond?
PLACE: What am I doing to make sure students feel welcome?
PRACTICE: What is the process for resolving conflict or disagreement in the classroom? What type of input do student’s have?
PLAN: How is the classroom prevention and conflict resolution strategy linked to the school’s plan for developing positive solutions?

National Education Association: (2014).  Restorative Practices: Fostering healthy relationships and promoting positive discipline in schools. A Guide for Educators. Retrieved July 16, 2018, from http://schottfoundation.org/restorative-practices.