RESTORATIVE PRACTICES
Restorative practices (RP) is an emerging social science which centers community, relationships, and accountability. By encouraging schools to look at their traditional behavior management structures, our restorative practices training and coaching provide educators with the skills and resources to support the whole student in their academic and social development.
Our equity-centric, hands-on training and coaching provide opportunities for participants to engage with the specific restorative practices. In this way, educators are able to begin to imagine how to integrate this innovative approach within the fabric of their specific district culture.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our restorative practices services are thoughtfully designed by experienced educators, specifically for those working in educational settings. Every aspect of our training, from real-world examples and in-depth case studies to interactive role-plays, is grounded in the day-to-day realities of schools and classrooms. We ensure that participants gain practical, relevant strategies they can immediately apply to foster a more supportive, respectful, and inclusive learning environment.
In order to build capacity with your specific educational setting, the following services are provided:
Restorative Practices Experience Training (in-person | 2 days)
This two-day, equity-centric, hands-on training provides opportunities for participants to engage with specific restorative practices and learn about the basic tenets of restorative practices (including the social discipline window, affective language, proactive circles, and restorative questions). Our training is uniquely designed to be very interactive and to give participants the opportunity to practice the skills they will be utilizing with students. Furthermore, our restorative practices training will assist staff in fostering positive school climates, building relationships, and addressing conflicts to promote healing and accountability.
Participants will learn the importance of restorative practices within a Multi-Tiered Support System (MTSS) framework. Participants will learn about the circle process, the historical context of restorative practices, and its contrast with traditional discipline. They will practice affective statements, design circle lesson plans, practice restorative dialogue using restorative questions, and facilitate proactive and restorative circles. The training also explores the impact of discipline practices on marginalized populations and the specific effects of punishment on those who have been harmed and those who have caused harm.
Restorative Practices Coaching (in-person/virtual | time varies)
Our coaching sessions are meticulously designed to provide comprehensive support for those who have been trained in the Restorative Practices Experience. These sessions are highly flexible and are completely tailored to address the unique requirements and evolving needs of each participant.
The primary objective of these coaching sessions is to empower participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to ensure the proper and effective implementation of restorative practices throughout their educational settings. To facilitate this, participants will have the convenient option to schedule one-on-one or small-group meetings directly with our expert trainers. These personalized interactions will allow for in-depth discussions, goal setting, guided self-reflection, problem-solving, and the development of strategies that are directly applicable to their specific contexts and challenges. Our trainers are committed to fostering a collaborative learning environment, offering practical guidance, and providing ongoing encouragement to maximize the impact of restorative practices within their respective educational communities.
Training of Trainers (in-person | 3 days)
This is an intensive three-day training for for a select group of educators to become site and/or district-level trainers. They will assist district and school site leadership in building capacity and sustainability. Participants will receive a certificate of completion indicating that they can now facilitate the Restorative Practices Experience Training. They will also be given all the necessary materials to conduct the training:
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Restorative Practices Training Slide Deck
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Restorative Practices Training Handouts
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Restorative Practices Manual
During this three-day training, participants will engage in experiences that deepen their understanding of restorative practices and thoroughly explore the Restorative Practices Experience Training. They will learn the ins and outs of the training with the help of our trainer and the Restorative Practices Manual. They will get to practice and ask questions as they prepare to become district-level restorative practices trainers.
Prerequisite: Restorative Practices Experience Training
Strengthening Restorative Communities (Virtual | quarterly for 60-90 minutes)
This free and voluntary meeting provides a quarterly forum for participants of our Restorative Practices Experience Training and Restorative Justice Center Training to continue their professional growth in a collaborative setting. Led by two of our restorative practices experts, these sessions offer participants the opportunity to engage in dialogue, exchange strategies, and deepen their understanding of restorative approaches alongside educators from other schools, districts, and states. By fostering cross-district collaboration and shared learning, the initiative strengthens a broader network of practitioners committed to advancing restorative and equitable practices in education.
Note that this is an ongoing, long-term offering, and all past and present partners are welcome to join these sessions. The sessions are free.
KEY BENEFITS
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Provides a framework for restorative practices
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Establishes and guides consistent school-wide expectations and interventions for students
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Builds systems and strategies that integrate equity
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Provides students and staff with opportunities for moral action in order to create a more inclusive school culture
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Builds a common language centered on restorative practices
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Access to quarterly Professional Learning Communities with other districts and states
EXTENDED RESTORATIVE PRACTICES SOLUTIONS
At CLS, we offer further training and coaching to help fulfill the advanced needs of a district-wide approach to restorative practices. By doing so, we systematize restorative practices at the district level, improving the impact for ALL students. Ultimately, our aim is to increase the reparation of harm while decreasing the more traditional punitive approach to discipline.
Advanced Restorative Practices and MTSS Integration Training (in-person | 2 days)
How does restorative practices fit into the structure of the district? How do we ensure that restorative practices is monitored and data is gathered? This training focuses on specific district needs and helps leaders understand a more advanced structure of restorative practices in their current system and where changes need to be made.
This service is recommended for schools and/or districts that have either been through our Restorative Practices Experience or have additional restorative practices training.
Formal Restorative Conference Training (in-person | 1 day)
This experiential training is designed for a select number of personnel in a district who will be facilitators of a more formal process when significant harm to an individual or community arises. This training combines a short review of restorative practices, the “ins and outs” of when and if a conference is appropriate, and hands-on practice with all segments of the process.
This service is recommended for schools and/or districts that have either been through our Restorative Practices Experience Training or have additional restorative practices training.
Formal Restorative Conference Facilitation (in-person | time varies)
In some cases, a school or district may feel that they need an outside facilitator to prepare, interview, provide support, and/or lead the restorative conference. This allows school or district staff to be able to participate in the conference rather than lead it. Additionally, it enables students to repair harm and have voice in the process.
