Restorative justice is an increasingly common discipline policy, as schools grapple with historic inequities in traditional exclusionary discipline. This mixed-methods study examines the implementation of restorative justice in 28 intentionally diverse charter schools in five jurisdictions in the U.S. Qualitative findings suggest a range of…

Research suggests that the use of Restorative Practice (RP) in schools can foster more positive and inclusive school communities, yet there remains limited research regarding how to embed such practices. As part of a wider study, we present data from school leaders who describe their perspectives on RP and their struggles with implementing it in…

As student discipline has become a growing area of concern in public schools, the staggering number of office referrals and student suspensions has caused principals to seek alternative methods to address student misbehavior. Restorative practices aim to change negative student behavior and restore relationships following behavioral incidents by…

This dissertation explores the perceptions of administrators, teachers, and other school personnel regarding the effectiveness of restorative practices in addressing disciplinary infractions within school settings. Grounded in a phenological design approach, the study investigates lived experiences to understand how individuals perceive and engage…

This qualitative case study, utilizing interviews and observations, investigated the perception, use, training, and application of Restorative Justice interventions by secondary school Deans of Students. Investigation revealed that although the participating Deans of Students were fully trained in Restorative Justice practices, they were not…

The disciplinary disparity between Black and White students is an issue that continues to span preschool educational settings up to secondary school. This study examined the adverse effects of the disproportional rate that Black boys receive expulsions and suspensions compared to White students. This study also analyzed the role of the campus…

The implementation of restorative practices has impacts on student behavior and discipline referrals as evidenced by studies conducted by Stinchcomb and Bazemore. Increases in discipline incidences affect campus culture and incidences of behavioral consequences. Increased behavior among students also contributes to the feeling of safety with…

This study explored the impact of secondary administrator perceptions on implementing restorative discipline practices in Texas middle school campuses. Ten secondary middle school administrators from diverse Texas school districts that utilized restorative practices for non-expellable offenses participated in open-ended, semi-structured…

Restorative practices (RP) have been shown through research to produce positive results on school culture and reductions in measures of exclusionary discipline especially when a whole-school and culture change approach is utilized. Further, the benefits of RP include fostering community, belonging, and supporting the development of positive…

Exclusionary disciplinary practices negatively and disproportionately impact Black students academically, socially, and emotionally and have been attributed to the school-to-prison pipeline. This research was conducted to determine the impact of restorative justice practices on exclusionary discipline by evaluating the lived experiences of school…

Principals have several responsibilities pertaining to the school environment. One of their primary responsibilities is overseeing school discipline and creating a positive school climate and culture. This qualitative study examined the perceptions of middle school principals regarding the implementation of restorative practices in their middle…

The initial critical event precipitating the problem of practice at my school was the repercussions of the mass shooting at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School, Parkland, Florida on February 14, 2018. This shooting and the resulting legislative mandates of Florida Senate Bill 7026, led to my administrative decision to adopt Restorative Practices…

This work is important because it concerns students whose aptitudes, talents, and gifts may have been overlooked and misunderstood because these students lacked the correct tools. Specifically, these students lacked the tools to appropriately respond to conflict or stress within the school setting. The lack of such tools easily leads to suspension…

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the thoughts, feelings, and actions of middle school administrators regarding their school leadership and their influence on the use of exclusionary and restorative justice practices. Theoretical Framework: This research was on grounded by two foundational theories: Sociocultural Theory…

This study sought to understand the varied disciplinary responses and perceptions regarding student drug use. Students caught under the influence or actively using drugs on high school campuses are often suspended and face possible expulsion. Given the racial disproportionalities in student discipline and the adverse academic and life outcomes for…