Welcome to Restorative Practices/Alternatives to Suspension

In recognition of the need for an accelerated “culture shift” in the way SFUSD approaches solutions to  disruptive student behavior and growing rates of suspensions, the Board of Education adopted Resolution No. 96-23A1. This resolution aims to take a restorative approach to student discipline and preventative measures in our school communities.

Demonstration of this support was evidenced by the passage of Resolution 96-23A1 – In Support of a Comprehensive School Climate, Restorative Practices and Alternatives to Suspension/Expulsion. Board Resolution 96-23A1 (pdf)

SFUSD Restorative Practices

SFUSD is excited to share that Restorative Practices, one of our district's top key initiatives and Board Resolution, remains a top priority for SFUSD.

Restorative Practices, when broadly and consistently implemented, will promote and strengthen positive school culture and enhance pro-social relationships within the school community.   An improved sense of community will significantly decrease the need for suspensions, expulsions and time that students are excluded from instruction due to behavior infractions. This shift in practice will result in a culture which is inclusive, builds fair process into decision-making practices, and facilitates students learning to address the impact of their actions through a restorative approach.   Students will learn to accept accountability, repair the harm their actions caused, recognize their role in maintaining a safe school environment, build upon their personal relationships in the school community and recognize their role as a positive contributing member of the school community.   Ultimately, they will learn to make positive, productive, and effective choices in response to situations they may encounter in the future.

GOAL 1: Access/Equity: Current data shows that AA and Latino students are disproportionately suspended when compared to other students groups. Restorative Practices will address this inequity through structural changes that promote positive “student voice”, as well as developing more effective strategies to address inappropriate behaviors of all students, that allows them to address their behavior and its impact on the community while not being excluded from classroom instruction.

GOAL 2: Achievement: Restorative Practices will increase instruction time leading to increased opportunities to be academically successful. Restorative practices will contribute to an increase in positive school climate so that each student recognizes and values their role in the school community and acts in ways that increase their effort and full participation in all aspects of the school program.

GOAL 3: Accountability: Restorative Practices will work closely with families and building relationships that demonstrate our commitment to the academic success and social/emotional development of their students while developing skills and behaviors that contribute to a positive school climate and building caring relationships with peers and adults.