Restorative Practices: Foundational Principles to Establish an Ethos of Peace and Justice

Training Module

During this training, participants will be exposed to the paradigm shift from punitive to restorative practices in OST discipline matters, learn about the theme of restorative climate, analyze current practices and gain an understanding of the need for restorative approaches to behavior.

In this training participants will:

  • Identify the differences between Criminal Justice and Restorative Practices in school and OST settings.

  • Learn the principles and framework of creating a Restorative Climate.

  • Reflect on current disciplinary practices and how zero tolerance adversely impacts Black  and Latino youth.

  • Draw connections between educator’s beliefs, skills, and the systematic rewards/punishments used to create conditions for learning.

  • Develop alternatives to the punitive approach using restorative strategies to create a climate of peace.

Content Overview:

Classroom Toolbox

Participants will start thinking about the tools, resources and systems that exist in classroom settings as well as discover the group’s core beliefs and essence during this name-game and community-building activity.

Illusions of Many, a Paradigm Shift

Participants will explore the impact of perspectives and the differences between Criminal Justice and Restorative Justice paradigms while assessing and supporting conflicts between children and youth

Systems Investigation

Participants will identify and reflect on the existing systems of behavior intervention in their programs.

Ripples to Create a Restorative Climate

This activity introduces participants to Be the Change Consulting’s curriculum and theoretical framework for transforming conflict and creating a restorative climate

Dealing with Reality

Participants will be given space to discuss the difficulties in letting go of current disciplinary practices as well as the dangers of a superficial implementation of this approach.

Does This Band-Aid Fit That Wound?

Participants will identify common problems in their settings, reflect on current practices and develop creative restorative solutions.

Training Length: 3 hours