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
Summer Training Institute 2010
