Discipline data has shown that the implementation of restorative practices has had a marked impact on reducing suspensions at T.C. Williams High School and contributed to creating a positive school climate.
The number of staff and students trained in the use of community and restorative circles to support a positive school climate in year three of the five-year implementation plan has increased while the number of suspensions has decreased across the board, particularly among black males.
The restorative practices movement seeks to develop good relationships and restore a sense of community in an increasingly disconnected world, according to “The Restorative Practices Handbook for Teachers, Disciplinarians and Administrators.”
Approximately 200 staff members and 20 students have now been trained to lead or co-lead community circles, which are held at least twice a month for all students at T.C. Williams High School. Community circles are used to help create a positive culture and build relationships.
Around 70 staff members have been trained in restorative circles, which are used to help resolve issues as necessary. ACPS is in the third year of a five-year implementation plan.
Suspension data released in March shows that suspensions among certain subgroups have dropped over the last two years at T.C. Williams. Some of this drop may be attributed to the implementation of restorative practices and positive behavior intervention strategies. There were 130 fewer out-of-school suspensions at the end of the second quarter of 2017 at T.C. Williams than for the same quarter the previous year. The decrease was particularly noted among black males.
We are already seeing the impact of restorative practices in fostering a positive school climate and we are only just over halfway through the implementation process. To implement restorative practices with fidelity and genuine results takes time and commitment and we look forward to seeing continued positive growth over the next two years,” said T.C. Principal Dr. Jesse Dingle.
Teachers at the T.C. Williams Minnie Howard campus; the International Academy; tenth-grade English; eleventh-grade Economics and Personal Finance; select Special Education, English Learner and elective teachers; school counselors; school social workers; school psychologists; deans; administrators; and representatives from the Department of Student Services, Alternative Programs and Equity have received training in the implementation of community circles.
A cohort of 13 staff members was trained as trainers for community circles over the past year. These include teachers, deans, administrators, student support team members and staff from the Department of Student Services, Alternative Programs and Equity.
T.C. Williams was selected to host a four-day training session led by the International Institute of Restorative Practices in March.
The use of community circles will expand to twelfth-grade next year. New staff at T.C. Williams High School campuses, all staff in Alternative Programs such as Change for Change and the Satellite Campus, will also be trained.