RJ Works for Adults Too!
This week I went to a school to provide the first part of my Restorative Justice 101 professional development to the faculty. With the chairs set in circle, PowerPoint displayed on the screen and handouts ready to go, my best-laid plans changed the instant the assistant principal entered the room. He outlined the situation as […]
RJ for Very Young Children
I often get questions from elementary educators about how RJ works with very young students. When the language and techniques are adapted to the age and abilities of the children, it works beautifully. This YouTube video of a restorative circle in Ms. Healy’s first grade classroom, illustrates that point. These wonderful little people make me […]
So Many Reasons to Incorporate Circles Into Learning Communities!
Editor’s Note: This post is much longer and wonkier than most, but it offers a strong scientific case for classroom circles. April 24, 2018 Education Week features a commentary by Jim Shelton titled The Brain Science Is In: Students’ Emotional Needs Matter. In it, he distills two 2018 meta-analyses of new studies on the science […]
Seven Mesmerizing Minutes to Give You Hope
If you know me, you will not be surprised to learn that I listen to National Public Radio (NPR). The other day I was late for an event, but I was mesmerized by the story of a Washington, DC high school that is using restorative justice. NPR officially calls experiences like this, “driveway moments,” and […]
The Results are in: Trainings’ Approval Percentage in High 90s
After every training we ask attendees to complete evaluation forms to help us measure how we’re doing. As you can see, responses have been overwhelmingly positive from both the large-audience and boutique seminars! If you haven’t already experienced one of our sessions, contact us about our training offerings and join us at an upcoming session. […]
Here to help
August 1st brings new legal requirements affecting your school discipline process. Are you ready to comply with the new law requiring your school to consider restorative justice before imposing a long-term suspension or expulsion? We can help. Schertzing Communications, LLC supports the use and integration of the restorative justice philosophy and practices in schools. As […]
Get Ready to Comply with New School Discipline Laws
With Memorial Day upon us, the end of the school year is just a blink away. In your summer planning for the 2017-18 school year, don’t forget the new law requiring schools to consider restorative justice before imposing a long-term suspension or expulsion. This new law turns Zero Tolerance on its head, and takes effect […]
Zero Tolerance: How Did We Get Here?
In the late 1990s when zero tolerance policies started in our nation’s schools they were designed to keep students safe. This was the Three-Strikes-and-You’re-Out era when everyone was “getting tough on crime.” And, like so many criminal justice processes, we extended those policies and attitudes to our schools. Then, shocked by the Columbine High School […]
By Any Other Name
I had lunch last week with a friend who asked me about my work. I gave her my elevator speech explanation of Restorative Justice, and she replied: “I believe in it. I just think you need a better name for it.” Boy, I couldn’t agree more. I told her I’ve wracked my brain to think […]