Table of Contents
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Why do we need restorative justice in schools?
Hack 1: Let’s Talk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Create a culture of communication to resolve conflict
Hack 2: Circle Up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Deal with the issue immediately and where it happens
Hack 3: Repair the Harm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Teach students to take direct responsibility for their actions
Hack 4: Throw Out the Rules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Create clear and consistent expectations
Hack 5: Create a Growth Mindset. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Put students back in the driver’s seat
Hack 6: Teach Mindfulness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107
Empower students to recognize and manage their emotions
Hack 7: Cultivate Empathy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125
Build the capacity to listen, understand, and communicate
Hack 8: Build Restorative Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143
Focus on the small things
Hack 9: Create a Snapshot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161
Use data to track behaviors, coach students, and address recidivism
Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179
Students need to be heard and understood