Integration of Restorative Justice Enhances Tier 2 Supports in High School

Post date: May 15, 2014 9:12:0 PM

In the fall of 2011, Alton High School in Alton CUSD 11 began an after-school group to reduce out of school suspensions (OSSs) for students with substance or physical aggression related discipline referrals. At the end of 2011-12, 55 students had been referred

to the four-session program. Thirty-seven students completed the program (67%) and six of this group had repeated offenses. The

following year, 2012-13, in an effort to improve the process and impact, the school's internal coach incorporated Restorative Practices into the program. The more interactive and restorative format had students meet in a circle, discuss the harm caused, and the relationships impacted by their actions. As a result, 30 out of 41 referred students completed the program in the 2012-13 school year (73%), with only one student having a repeat offense. The Restorative Justice practices added to the program in 2012-13 enhanced the engagement of students in the after school group, with increased positive behavioral outcomes outside of this group.