Restorative Practices :: SFUSD Student, Family, and Community Support Department

The fundamental premise of restorative practices is that people are happier, more cooperative and productive, and more likely to make positive changes when those in authority do things WITH them, rather than TO them or FOR them.

Ted Wachtel, The International Institute for Restorative Practices

VALUES AND PRINCIPLES OF A RESTORATIVE APPROACH IN OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITIES:

Equity of voice
High expectations and support = doing things “WITH” one another
and not “TO” or “FOR” them
Positive relationships
Inclusive decision making
Community building and sustaining
All members of the community are valued
Authentic listening and sharing
Non-punitive response to wrong-doing

Restorative Processes and Practices:

Inclusive decision making practices: Fair Process
Affective language
Restorative Questions and Dialogue
Proactive Community Building Circles
Responsive Circles
Formal Restorative Conferencing: an alternative to traditional
punitive discipline practices

Learn more about Restorative Practices