The U.S. Department of Education has urged school districts to consider alternatives to suspensions and expulsions, especially in view of the racial inequities that see far more minority students suspended and kicked out school than white students.
A popular approach — one being used by many Georgia districts including Atlanta Public Schools and DeKalb Schools — is restorative justice where the wrongdoer joins classmates and teachers in frank discussions that addresses the causes and effects of the incident and allows victims to speak and amends to be made.
But does it work? Teachers at one California high school touted as a model of restorative justice say that suspensions may be down, the disruptions and classroom chaos are up. Teachers at McLane High School in Fresno have launched a petition calling for a re-evaluation of how students are being disciplined.
Proponents of restorative justice say it can work to reduce both suspensions and disruptions, but only if it is a school-wide effort and everyone is trained.
To read more about restorative justice in schools and why some teachers are concerned, go to the AJC Get Schooled blog.
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