Restorative Justice in Schools Can Reduce Disruptive Behavior and Expulsions
Chmelynski, Carol, "Schools Find 'Restorative Justice' More Effective Than Expulsion," School Board News, National School Boards Association (May 2005).
While the author recognizes that suspension and expulsion are the most commonly used methods by schools for maintaining discipline and safety, her article focuses on an alternative method called “restorative justice.” This approach engages all persons affected by an incident of misbehavior, such as the victims, offenders and community, by discussing collectively how to resolve the incident. Chmelynski points out that restorative justice may be implemented in schools through peer mediation, classroom discussion circles or family group conferencing. The approach is described as part of a healing and learning process which puts the responsibility on students themselves to collaboratively respond to a wrongdoing. Relationships are formed through such process and a strong sense of community and safety is fostered between the students and faculty. Restorative justice programs have been introduced into several schools with positive results, including drops in the number of out of school suspensions and incidents of disruptive behavior.
Relevant Link: http://www.nsba.org/HPC/Features/SBN/SbnArchive/2005/May2005/Schoolsfind%e2%80%98restorativejusticemoreeffectivethanexpulsion.aspx