When we look at school transformation, we must incorporate all aspects including teacher skill and buy-in, family partnership, and overall policy work. And all of these parts of the process must incorporate student voice. By beginning with education, voice, and buy-in for staff, students, and families, we lay the groundwork for a school where restorative practices can thrive. This work is ongoing, especially the layers of staff skill-building. The policies must join this transformation process, leading just a hair ahead of where the buy-in lies, creating a behavior matrix and policies that are in line with restorative values, utilizing the voice of all stakeholders. And students must be invested in and nurtured in playing a pivotal role in the implementation of restorative practices through the development of a Peer Restorative Justice Program. This workshop will walk participants through this process, providing key resources to walk away with.
Key Takeaways 1. Transforming a school to restorative practices must involve an education, buy-in, and true sense of agency. 2. Peer Restorative Justice programs are a key element of empowering students to take the lead in this work. 3. All policies must be examined and shifted through the lens that reflects restorative values.