Research & Testimonials

Video | Articles | Quotes

Video

The Transformation of West Philadelphia High School: A Story of Hope

A 9-min. video about restorative practices in a “persistently dangerous” urban school.



Trailer: Beyond Zero Tolerance: Restorative Practices in Schools (new window)
Video about RP in schools in the U.S., the Netherlands and England. More information here.

Trailer: Building Our Community (new window)
Video about RP at Collingwood Primary School, in Hull, U.K., a city facing acute economic and social challenges. More information here.

Articles

Improving School Climate: Findings from Schools Implementing Restorative Practices

Restorative Practices in Schools: Research Reveals Power of Restorative Approach, Part I

Restorative Practices in Schools: Research Reveals Power of Restorative Approach, Part II

Community Service Foundation and Buxmont Academy (CSF Buxmont): Analysis of Students Discharged During Three School Years (2003-2006)

SaferSanerSchools: Transforming School Culture with Restorative Practices

Transforming School Culture: An Update

Quotes

Restorative practices has given me a concrete approach to open up communication with my students, creating a peaceful classroom environment where learning can take place.
— Deborah Lampkin-Scretchings, teacher, Drexel Hill Middle School, Pennsylvania

The teachers respect us and we respect them back. They talk with us instead of at us.
— Student, Springfield Township High School, Pennsylvania, USA

Restorative practices is about really focusing on a sense of community and on young people’s capacities, rather than their deficits.
— Lynn Zammit, restorative practices in schools pioneer and author, Toronto, Canada

Restorative practices helped Community Prep High School become a safe community, a place where students can make real, meaningful changes in their lives.
— Mark Ryan, principal, Community Prep High School (for at-risk youth), New York City

Restorative practices has changed the way administrators do their jobs. They say, ‘I like my job more; I feel that I’m really getting to the root of problems.’
— Nancy Riestenberg, prevention specialist, Minnesota Department of Education

Restorative practices is proving effective with some of the more challenging pupils. It encourages staff, it helps people listen, and it gives people a voice.
— Steve Wilson, deputy head teacher, St. George of England High School, UK

Restorative practices has produced a dramatic transformation in our schools regarding the level of trust and cooperation among students, between students and adults, and among adults themselves.
— Bill Sower, director, Safe Successful Schools LLC, South Lyon, Michigan, USA

It makes me feel pretty good that I have a good amount of say in what we’re going to do to try and solve the problem.
— Student, Palisades Middle School, Kintnersville, Pennsylvania, USA
I believe very strongly in restorative practices. I have seen a change here in West Philadelphia High School since we've been using it, and I believe restorative practices is useful, not only in our school, but in any school.
— Russell Gallagher, assistant principal, West Philadelphia High School, Pennsylvania, USA

The PFT [Philadelphia Federation of Teachers] should encourage the use of restorative practices and support it in the schools.
— Marsha A. Walker, teacher, West Philadelphia High School, Pennsylvania, USA

Restorative practices can work in tough urban schools, and it doesn't get any tougher than West Philadelphia High School.
— Lt. Col. James Cotten, officer and teacher, Air Force Junior ROTC, West Philadelphia High School, Pennsylvania, USA

Current News, Articles & Events

EVENT
 Spring Intensive 2012
 DATES: Mar 12-15 | Bethlehem, PA
DETAILS »
ARTICLE
Restorative Practices: Whole-School Change to Build Safer, Saner School Communities
DETAILS »