Restorative Practices (RP) is an essential part of the Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). RP is a framework that supports the idea that positive relationships are essential to maintaining community and repairing relationships when harm has occurred. When implemented effectively, such practices help students understand the consequences of their actions and take responsibility.
RP utilizes community circles as a Tier 1 practice to create community and build strong positive relationships among all students and staff. They also teach and model positive social skills such as sharing, listening, empathizing and problem solving, which help to create emotionally and physically safe learning environments that promote respect, trust and accountability.
This social skills instruction is aligned with the schoolwide expectations promoted by Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and the student competencies put forth by the American School Counselor Association's (ASCA) National School Counseling Model.
Restorative circles are a Tier 2 support used to respond to wrongdoing, conflicts or problems by allowing those affected by the behavior to share their perspectives on how they were impacted and thoughts on how the situation can be “made right” so that the relationship(s) can be restored. Restorative Practices reduces out-of-school suspensions and expulsions and has shown to improve student engagement and achievement.
Restorative Questions (To respond to challenging behavior)
- What happened?
- What were you thinking of at the time?
- What have you thought about since?
- Who has been affected by what you have done? In what way?
- What do you think you need to do to make things right?
Restorative Questions (To help those harmed by others actions)
- What did you think when you realized what had happened?
- What impact has this incident had on you and others?
- What has been the hardest thing for you?
- What do you think needs to happen to make things right?
