A Restorative Approach to Discipline

Summary

This transcript highlights the challenges faced by students and educators in a school setting, particularly in regard to discipline and behavior. It emphasizes the shortcomings of traditional punitive measures like suspension, arguing that they fail to address the root causes of behavior issues. Instead, the speaker advocates for restorative justice practices, focusing on conflict resolution, accountability, and emotional support. The transformation of the school culture is portrayed through improved relationships, academic success, and a sense of belonging for students, ultimately fostering a positive and supportive learning environment.

Takeaways

• 😀 Students often face significant trauma and anxiety, impacting their behavior and ability to learn effectively.
• 😀 Traditional punishments like suspensions are seen as ineffective and may fail to address the root causes of students' issues.
• 😀 Restorative justice aims to address the harm caused by students' actions, helping them reflect on their behavior and take accountability.
• 😀 Teachers and staff are encouraged to foster a culture of respect, positive interactions, and personal growth among students.
• 😀 The school's approach focuses on helping students understand their actions and navigate conflicts through reflection and accountability.
• 😀 Conflict resolution and peer-to-peer conversations play a crucial role in teaching students how to manage disagreements respectfully.
• 😀 The success of restorative justice is linked to building strong relationships and understanding students' backgrounds and challenges.
• 😀 Faculty and staff aim to be supportive mentors, offering emotional support and guidance to help students succeed academically and personally.
• 😀 The school's positive culture and focus on respect have led to improvements in classroom behavior, academic performance, and school environment.
• 😀 Teachers emphasize that their role is not just to educate but also to care for students, offering them a sense of belonging and support.
• 😀 The goal is to reduce suspensions and create a nurturing environment that enables students to make positive choices and improve their futures.

Q & A

What challenges did the speaker face during their freshman year in Solivan?

The speaker experienced frequent disruptions in class due to constant fighting, making it difficult to learn. There was also a significant amount of disrespect from students towards adults in the building.

How does the speaker describe the behavior of students and its impact on the school environment?

The students often acted out in ways that showed a lack of respect for authority. This behavior was disruptive and led to a tense atmosphere where students would talk to adults as if there were no boundaries, which created a challenging teaching environment.

What was the speaker’s perspective on suspensions as a form of punishment?

The speaker believes suspensions are ineffective, as they only offer students 'free time' at home, causing them to fall behind in their classwork. The speaker argues that suspensions do not address the root cause of the students' issues and fail to promote social or mental growth.

What does the speaker believe should happen instead of suspending students?

Instead of suspensions, the speaker advocates for keeping students in school so they can stay on track academically. The speaker emphasizes the importance of teaching students accountability, reflection, and responsibility for their actions.

How does the speaker view the role of restorative justice in education?

The speaker sees restorative justice as a way to address student mistakes without letting them 'off the hook.' By focusing on accountability and teaching students to reflect on their actions, restorative justice aims to help them understand the impact of their behavior and learn from it.

How does the speaker's approach to student discipline differ from traditional methods?

The speaker's approach focuses on understanding the underlying causes of student behavior through collaboration with clinicians, social workers, and case managers. They prioritize conflict resolution, peer-to-peer conversations, and teaching students how to navigate conflicts and take ownership of their actions.

What role do positive relationships play in the speaker's approach to student development?

Positive relationships are central to the speaker's approach. By fostering a culture of respect and genuine care from adults, students are more likely to feel supported and motivated to succeed. These relationships help students see the adults as mentors who genuinely care about their well-being.

How has the school environment changed since the speaker implemented their new approach?

Since the change, the school environment has become more peaceful, with students attending class regularly, grades improving, and overall academic progress being made. There is a sense of shared learning and growth among both students and teachers.

What do the students think about the changes in the school environment?

Students appreciate the changes and feel more supported. They recognize that faculty members care about their success and want them to graduate. Teachers and staff members are seen as role models who provide guidance and mentorship.

What is the ultimate goal of the speaker's approach to education?

The ultimate goal is to reduce student disengagement and help students make positive life choices. The speaker wants to see fewer students giving up and more students taking responsibility for their actions and striving for success, both academically and personally.