Restorative Practices in Schools: Why aren't they working?

It is so frustrating to me — and I think to a lot of educators — that the practices schools adopt that are meant to solve all their problems end up fading away. Like Restorative Practices. A really great program aimed at strengthening relationships through honesty, support, and community connection.

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Of course, no program can be a silver bullet. Change takes humans who exert discipline and consistency and commitment. But, as my readers know, anything that strengthens relationships in schools is good because it increases the chances of effective teaching and learning. Not to mention growth and development. So sticking with programs that foster connection makes sense.

Marisol Quevedo Rerucha, author of Beyond the Surface of Restorative Practices: Building a Culture of Equity, Connection, and Healing and CEO of Heartset Consulting Group, argues for restorative practices in schools. In this episode from Truth for Teachers,

Marisol discusses

* School Culture: Who are restorative practices for?

* Living Our Values: How does our humanity get in the way of our work?

* Making Mistakes: How do we hold each other accountable with love and dignity?

* Being Human: How to blend personal and professional development

* The Role of Faith: What is the Way of the Buffalo? What is a Cow Moment?

Marisol is wise and offers lots of great perspective and advice. If you leave this episode thinking, “YEAH!! Let’s do this thing! But how?” here are a couple of suggestions (beyond using restorative practices in your school):

* Read Loretta Ross’s Calling In: How to Start Making Change with Those You’d Rather Cancel