Restorative practices are an approach to school discipline that emphasizes repairing harm caused by student behavior. They aim to build relationships between students, teachers, and administrators based on mutual respect, accountability, and empathy. Restorative practices have been shown to help reduce exclusionary disciplinary measures like suspensions and expulsions, improve academic achievement, and increase student safety in schools.
In schools where bias is present, restorative practices can be particularly important. Bias refers to prejudice or discrimination against people based on their race, gender, religion, age, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other characteristics. When students experience bias, they may feel isolated, marginalized, or unsafe. This can lead to negative effects such as lowered self-esteem, increased anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.
Restorative practices can mitigate these negative effects by creating a safe space for students to share their experiences and feelings. Students who have experienced bias may feel more comfortable opening up about their struggles when they know they will be heard and understood by their peers and adults. Through this process of sharing and listening, students learn to understand each other's perspectives and create stronger connections with one another.
Restorative practices encourage students to take responsibility for their actions and make amends for any harm they have caused. This helps them develop empathy and understanding for others, which can reduce the likelihood of future biased behaviors. Teachers and administrators also play an important role in modeling these skills, demonstrating that everyone makes mistakes and has the opportunity to grow from them.
Restorative practices provide a powerful way for schools to address issues of bias and promote equitable learning environments. By fostering mutual respect, accountability, and empathy among all members of the school community, they help create a culture where every student feels valued and supported.
How do restorative practices in schools mitigate negative effects of bias?
Restorative practices are designed to improve school climate and promote respectful communication between students and teachers. They also aim at providing opportunities for healing and reconciliation after conflicts. Through these practices, students learn to cope with stressors by managing their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Restorative practices can help counteract the effects of implicit bias because they encourage empathy towards others who may be different from oneself.