Restorative Reminders
Restorative Reflections from Mrs. Shelton
Restorative Discipline & Management @ Baxter
“Schools that work restoratively find that relationships are stronger and learning is more effective, and so there is less need to resort to sanctions and punishments to try to ‘manage’ behavior.” Carpenter, 2017
As we continue to embark on our 2019-20 school year, it is important that we remember to continue to ensure our students are learning at all times, we embrace a culture of collaboration, we focus on results and we dedicate ourselves to the hardwork and commitment this will take.
As a school of character, we at Baxter must not only consider academics when doing these things, but we need to also consider character. Character in students is built through the way we as adults choose to address student behavior, the way we choose to respond or not respond when a student does or does not behave well and the way we ensure restorative practices are in place-always.
So, in our promise to ensure our students are learning at times, and in our promise to love kids FIRST, how are we doing? When we ask ourselves these four important questions with a focus on behavior and character development, how are we doing?
Let’s take a look at where we are at, by FIRST remembering:
What is Restorative Practice?
“The social science of promoting and sustaining strong and healthy relationships across the school by implementing proactive and responsive programs rather than reactive strategies. This leads to increased social capital, improved individual self-discipline, self- regulation, emotional well-being leading to improved academic outcomes and improved whole school climate.“ -Vinegrad, Discipline Matters
NOW let’s ask those four questions, reflecting through the cycle of learning:
1. What do we want each student to learn-behaviorally?
We want students to learn how to resolve and understand conflict and tensions and difference in respectful ways that engenders trust, empathy, responsibility, and fosters healthy relationships. (Social-Emotional Learning)
2.How will we know when each student has learned this?
Students will approach conflict and tension with respectful tones and actions. Students will come to mentors, adults and leaders when they need help-trusting them to be those helpers. Students will accept, not deny, responsibility when they
make a poor behavior choice and work to improve on that choice in the future. Students and adults will experience positive collaboration and work together to resolve conflicts. Above all, the need to impose ‘discipline’ or ‘consequences’ will become less existent as feelings of connectedness and trust increase.
3. How will we respond when a student experiences difficulty in learning this?
Character Lab vs ISS: The focus is now on welcoming the student and acknowledging their commitment to accepting responsibility and practicing the skills they need to make a better choice in the future. The focus is now on learning in the forms of emotional growth, self reflection, adults helping to reinforce a lacking skill and on remembering each student is still a LOVED and VALUED member of our Baxter family.
Classroom Restorative Management vs Authoritarian Management:
What is your focus?
Is it punitive or is it restorative?
Teacher Next Steps: Please reflect on your classroom management style, the system you have in place, the way you communicate about poor choices, and whether your current style could be improved to be more restorative in design and implementation. Below is a chart showing the Authoritarian Approach vs Restorative Approach, two publications with helpful information and a Podcast by Brian Mendler called “Take Down the Behavior Chart”. We look forward to further discussions during PLC time, helping with ideas if needed, and showcasing your restorative approaches as we conduct walkthroughs, observations and visits.
4. How will we respond when students already know and show this?
Ring Points & Trust Cards: We are committed to recognizing the good choices, NOT JUST in those learning to choose good, but in those ‘silent’ students who all of the time just choose to behave well. We must focus just as much on highlighting those not struggling as those who need our help. Relationships matter for all of our students. Restorative Discipline helps acknowledge those who are respecting the relationships around them and the learning environment.
Suggested Use: Use this chart to place checkmarks next to those that apply...where did your management style land? How can it be modified, if needed? How can we help?
SMARTER Goal for Baxter 2019-2020
By the end of the 2019-20 school year, all teachers and administrators will ensure that classroom/discipline management strategies are restorative in nature and not punitive for all students and in all locations.
Resources: Restorative Practices in the Classroom & Making Restorative Practices Explicit
Podcast: Brian Mendler Take Down That Behavior Chart 8-27-19
“How about everybody make a commitment...everybody make a commitment...at all times the goal is to make a kid’s life better…”
Brian Mendler, Podcast 8-27-2019
Suggested Use: Use this chart to place checkmarks next to those that apply...where did your management style land? How can it be modified, if needed? How can we help?
Coming Up This Week
Monday September 9th 2nd grade PLC 7:35-8:15
Tuesday September 10th 1st grade PLC 7:35-8:15
Tuesday September 10th Shanna Malone on campus (See email from her to set up an appointment)
Tuesday September 10th Spirit Night at Fuzzy's
Wednesday September 11th Kindergarten PLC 7:35-8:15
Thursday September 12th Ryan at Principal's meeting (AM only)
Thursday September 12th Faculty Meeting 3:30-4:15
Friday September 13th Genius Hour meetings 7:35-8:25
Friday September 13th Fall Pictures
Sunday September 15th Happy Birthday Hilary Cooper