Notes From the Field: Using Restorative Practices to Teach and Uphold Dignity in an American School

Anna High, “Notes from the Field: Using Restorative Practices to Teach and Uphold Dignity in an American School District”, McGill Journal of Education, 52(2), 525-533 (2018).

10 Pages Posted: 26 Dec 2018

See all articles by Anna High

Anna High

University of Otago - Faculty of Law

Date Written: 2018

Abstract

The protection and promotion of dignity is a foundational objective of restorative justice. Dignity-enhancing restorative justice practices, which are rooted in the traditional practices of Indigenous people groups, have been widely adopted in schools reactively, as a response to specific infractions. A growing number of schools are adopting restorative practices proactively, with a view to preventing misbehaviour by improving climate and strengthening relationships. This report from the Evanston / Skokie School District (K-8) in Illinois explores a cost-effective restorative practice implementation plan that focuses on volunteers and teachers partnering to introduce one key proactive practice, sharing circles, to classrooms. Using Donna Hicks’ “essential elements of dignity” as a framework, I argue that restorative circle initiatives are a simple and effective means of transforming school communities by acknowledging, promoting and honouring the dignity of students.

Keywords: restorative justice, indigenous culture, education, USA

JEL Classification: K00, K30

Suggested Citation

High, Anna, Notes From the Field: Using Restorative Practices to Teach and Uphold Dignity in an American School (2018). Anna High, “Notes from the Field: Using Restorative Practices to Teach and Uphold Dignity in an American School District”, McGill Journal of Education, 52(2), 525-533 (2018)., Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3295944

Anna High (Contact Author)

University of Otago - Faculty of Law ( email )

PO Box 56
Dunedin North
Dunedin, 9016
New Zealand

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