Restorative Practices in Schools and Communities

Within the contest of restorative justice frameworks, course participants will learn about the school to prison pipeline and implications of zero tolerance policies pushing at-risk students into juvenile and criminal justice systems. Restorative practices aim to increase cultural awareness, practice, and advocacy in practitioners incorporating best practices for social emotional well-being and learning methods with young people in schools and communities.

1. Clearly articulate the problems traditional justice and discipline models present for youth in communities and schools: addressing behavior management, school to prison pipeline, and expulsions.

2. Panel discussion of people who are working in both communities and schools.

3. Teaching skills around restorative practices (conferences and peace circles), conflict management, mediation, and facilitation.