RESTORATIVE JUSTICE
BECAUSE HUGS ARE BETTER THAN HANDCUFFS
Who knew that the solution to ending the school to prison pipeline was as simple as implementing restorative practices? Apparently, the University of Chicago Education Lab did, and they have the data to back it up.
In a recent study, it was found that moving away from suspensions and towards restorative practices has led to a significant reduction in suspensions and arrests for student misconduct. And who benefits the most from this shift? None other than our beloved Black CPS teens.
Yes, you read that right. The same group of students who have historically been targeted by the school to prison pipeline are now reaping the benefits of a more inclusive and understanding approach to discipline.
But what exactly are restorative practices, you may ask? Well, it's simple. Instead of punishing students for their misbehavior, restorative practices aim to help them understand the consequences of their actions and repair any harm that may have been caused.
It's like a time-out, but instead of sitting in a corner and thinking about what you've done, you actually get to talk it out with the people you've affected. And let's be real, who wouldn't want that?
Not only does this approach lead to fewer suspensions and arrests, but it also improves the overall school climate. Students are more likely to feel heard and understood, which in turn leads to a more positive learning environment.
And let's not forget about our elementary school students. The study's authors found that restorative practices were just as effective in these younger grades as they were in high school.
So there you have it folks. The solution to ending the school to prison pipeline isn't more punishment, it's more understanding. Who knew that being nice could actually work?
And if you're still not convinced, just think about all the hilarious conversations that will ensue during these restorative practice sessions. I mean, can you imagine a group of middle schoolers trying to repair harm through humor? The possibilities are endless.
So let's give a round of applause to the University of Chicago Education Lab for proving that sometimes the best solution is also the funniest.
Black CPS teens benefit from restorative practices | WBEZ Chicago https://www.wbez.org/stories/black-cps-teens-benefit-most-from-shift-from-suspensions-toward-restorative-practices/fc68a9bd-ba33-41e5-ba1c-a6fa18752083
Big Education Ape: EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT RESTORATIVE JUSTICE BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/07/everything-you-wanted-to-know-about.html
Big Education Ape: RAND study shows 'restorative practices' have positive effect on Pittsburgh Public Schools | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2018/10/rand-study-shows-restorative-practices.html
Big Education Ape: Sowing Empathy and Justice in Schools Through Restorative Practices | NEA Today https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2014/06/sowing-empathy-and-justice-in-schools.html