Dr. Reid replacing school discipline with “restorative justice” ?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When can we fire Dr Reid and send her back to Washington State where she belongs? Keep her PNW to herself.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have had a rise in discipline issues at our local schools post pandemic "school"

Honestly, the kids involved need their phones taken away and if they cannot behave, school suspension/expulsions.

They don't need to revictimize victims by forcing them to talk to their bullies and troublemakers, nor do the troublemakers need to kumbaya circle of affirmation.

What a stupid idea. Hoping and praying that at least some school board seats flip from dems to republican next week at the school board elections. We need to pull this crazy far left pendulum back towards the center.

People, you need to run! Restorative justice has been an epic failure - read up about it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When can we fire Dr Reid and send her back to Washington State where she belongs? Keep her PNW to herself.

+ 1000. Why Republicans are needed on the school board.

Hey, hey, hey. Liberal Dem here and I hate this BS too. Don’t drag ugly national politics into local school board politics. Just look for reasonable people who think!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When can we fire Dr Reid and send her back to Washington State where she belongs? Keep her PNW to herself.

+ 1000. Why Republicans are needed on the school board.

Hey, hey, hey. Liberal Dem here and I hate this BS too. Don’t drag ugly national politics into local school board politics. Just look for reasonable people who think!

DP. You do realize others are smearing Republican SB candidates due to “ugly national politics,” right? I agree, reasonable people are desperately needed on this SB.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have had a rise in discipline issues at our local schools post pandemic "school"

Honestly, the kids involved need their phones taken away and if they cannot behave, school suspension/expulsions.

They don't need to revictimize victims by forcing them to talk to their bullies and troublemakers, nor do the troublemakers need to kumbaya circle of affirmation.

What a stupid idea. Hoping and praying that at least some school board seats flip from dems to republican next week at the school board elections. We need to pull this crazy far left pendulum back towards the center.

+100
Early voting is open!

Republicans:
I don't know what this is but it seems like an easy way to bash the current school board.
F yeah!

Hi, dolt. We all know exactly what this is and who supports it. But do continue gaslighting - and proving exactly why idiot Democrats need to be voted out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dr. Reid says she is implementing “restorative justice.”

This is a portion of Michelle Reid’s weekly update sent to FCPS parents:

"The second initiative is our Restorative Justice Program’s new Responsible Pathway to Restorative Justice Facilitation. This pathway program will enable trained and endorsed members of Team FCPS to operate as school-based restorative justice facilitators. By this time next year, our goal is to have two of these facilitators in each of our schools. I’m thrilled about this program and how it will support us to provide excellence, equity, and opportunity for each and every one of our students, especially those impacted by discipline disparities. [i] As I shared with the principals on Thursday, I know there likely are a lot of questions about these two initiatives! More information on our Instructional Rounds and the Responsible Pathway to Restorative Justice Facilitation will be made available in the coming weeks; stay tuned!"

Do you think this is a good idea? Will this new approach increase or decrease crime in your child’s school?

What exactly is “restorative justice”?

I thought Dr. Reid’s update was sufficient and the precepts of restorative justice to be common knowledge. But apparently there remains a certain lack of understanding here. Allow me to clarify the issue further, and explain, beginning with:

- what exactly does restorative justice entail?

There is no one definitive answer to this question. Restorative justice is a burgeoning philosophical framework that asks people to rethink the best way to respond to harmful behavior. Perhaps the most expansive definition comes from Griffith University criminologist Kathleen Daly, who calls restorative justice “a set of ideals about justice that assumes a generous, empathetic, supportive, and rational human spirit.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When can we fire Dr Reid and send her back to Washington State where she belongs? Keep her PNW to herself.

+ 1000. Why Republicans are needed on the school board.

Hey, hey, hey. Liberal Dem here and I hate this BS too. Don’t drag ugly national politics into local school board politics. Just look for reasonable people who think!

DP. You do realize others are smearing Republican SB candidates due to “ugly national politics,” right? I agree, reasonable people are desperately needed on this SB.

They smear themselves by participating in the Insurrection and pushing RWNJ propaganda.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have had a rise in discipline issues at our local schools post pandemic "school"

Honestly, the kids involved need their phones taken away and if they cannot behave, school suspension/expulsions.

They don't need to revictimize victims by forcing them to talk to their bullies and troublemakers, nor do the troublemakers need to kumbaya circle of affirmation.

What a stupid idea. Hoping and praying that at least some school board seats flip from dems to republican next week at the school board elections. We need to pull this crazy far left pendulum back towards the center.

People, you need to run! Restorative justice has been an epic failure - read up about it!

When you look at the data, it’s been successful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dr. Reid says she is implementing “restorative justice.”

This is a portion of Michelle Reid’s weekly update sent to FCPS parents:

"The second initiative is our Restorative Justice Program’s new Responsible Pathway to Restorative Justice Facilitation. This pathway program will enable trained and endorsed members of Team FCPS to operate as school-based restorative justice facilitators. By this time next year, our goal is to have two of these facilitators in each of our schools. I’m thrilled about this program and how it will support us to provide excellence, equity, and opportunity for each and every one of our students, especially those impacted by discipline disparities. [i] As I shared with the principals on Thursday, I know there likely are a lot of questions about these two initiatives! More information on our Instructional Rounds and the Responsible Pathway to Restorative Justice Facilitation will be made available in the coming weeks; stay tuned!"

Do you think this is a good idea? Will this new approach increase or decrease crime in your child’s school?

What exactly is “restorative justice”?

I thought Dr. Reid’s update was sufficient and the precepts of restorative justice to be common knowledge. But apparently there remains a certain lack of understanding here. Allow me to clarify the issue further, and explain, beginning with:

- what exactly does restorative justice entail?

There is no one definitive answer to this question. Restorative justice is a burgeoning philosophical framework that asks people to rethink the best way to respond to harmful behavior. Perhaps the most expansive definition comes from Griffith University criminologist Kathleen Daly, who calls restorative justice “a set of ideals about justice that assumes a generous, empathetic, supportive, and rational human spirit.”

https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/forms/RJInformationPacket.pdf

And it’s been implemented in many school systems with success.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dr. Reid says she is implementing “restorative justice.”

This is a portion of Michelle Reid’s weekly update sent to FCPS parents:

"The second initiative is our Restorative Justice Program’s new Responsible Pathway to Restorative Justice Facilitation. This pathway program will enable trained and endorsed members of Team FCPS to operate as school-based restorative justice facilitators. By this time next year, our goal is to have two of these facilitators in each of our schools. I’m thrilled about this program and how it will support us to provide excellence, equity, and opportunity for each and every one of our students, especially those impacted by discipline disparities. As I shared with the principals on Thursday, I know there likely are a lot of questions about these two initiatives! More information on our Instructional Rounds and the Responsible Pathway to Restorative Justice Facilitation will be made available in the coming weeks; stay tuned!"

Do you think this is a good idea? Will this new approach increase or decrease crime in your child’s school?

"This approach" is not explained in the OP. Does this mean no discipline ever?
Or does it mean discipline that doesn't stay on the record forever so as not to disadvantage kids' futures?
Does it mean progressive discipline? Discipline coupled with counseling?

I cannot say if I think it's a "good idea" or not if you haven't explained what it is beyond inflammatory soundbites. And, yeah, I could spend the time parsing it out online but since OP brought it up . . .

Sounds like most PPs are unfamiliar with it based on the many false assumptions.

Lots of info here:
https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/forms/RJInformationPacket.pdf

To answer some of your questions:
"Restorative Justice Practice is a philosophy based on a set of principles for responding to harm and
wrongdoing that is victim-centered and focuses on offender accountability to those who were
harmed and to the laws or rules that were broken. It also includes a principal-based approach to
establish and strengthen relationships."

"Criteria for Referral
This information is intended to guide administrators in making decisions about appropriate referrals
to a Restorative Justice (RJ) process. Once a referral is made, it is the responsibility of the Restorative
Justice team to make the final assessment of case suitability.

Parent permission is required to participate in a Restorative Justice process.
 Administrators should secure parent permission prior to making the Restorative Justice
referral.
 Administrators may seek support from their assigned RJ Practitioner when securing parent
permission and/or discussing the Restorative Justice process.

Participating in a Restorative Justice process is voluntary for all parties.

The offending student(s) must admit involvement in the incident.
 There are differing degrees of responsibility in an incident of wrongdoing; however, the
student(s) must admit to being involved in the incident.
There should be clear evidence to support that wrongdoing has occurred.
 The process is not meant to be used as an investigative method for determining guilt.
 It the offending student(s) and those harmed by the wrongdoing agree that there has been a
violation and harm has been done, but they can’t determine or won’t acknowledge who is
responsible for what, a conference can help sort out specific acts and responsibility for those
actions – but the offending student(s) referred for the process must admit to being involved
in the wrongdoing.

Every student should have access to restorative justice and be considered for referral.
 Every FCPS student must have access to a restorative justice process. Offending students
must admit to being involved to access the restorative justice process.
 Students who receive services from a school social worker, school psychologist, or medical
professional always have the option to include that person or persons with them in the RJ
process as supporters.
Prior offenses do not preclude a student from being referred to a Restorative Justice process.
 Often student(s) do not understand the impact of their actions. Students can benefit from a
RJ process, even if a prior history of wrongdoing is evident.

All incidents of wrongdoing and violation of the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities
document are eligible to be referred to a Restorative Justice process.

In a Restorative Justice process, everyone adversely affected by the wrongdoing is a harmed
person. This includes participating students and their families.

Referrals can be made at all stages of the disciplinary process and for almost every incident or
wrongdoing, regardless of the seriousness of the offense.
 Referral can be made as a diversion from the traditional disciplinary process for appropriate
situations.
 Restorative Justice can be utilized in combination with other discipline actions such as: oneday suspension and referral to RJ, as opposed to 3–10-day suspension. This option works
well for fighting and verbal altercations when both students admit involvement.
 A Restorative Justice process can be initiated for re-entry into the classroom or school after a
disciplinary action has been completed.
 A referral to a Restorative Justice process should not be used as an additional punishment or
sanction for the offending student(s).

Details for anyone actually interested ^^

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://www.osibaltimore.org/2020/09/new-report-indicates-major-impact-of-restorative-practices-in-baltimore-city-schools/

School suspensions dropped by 44% in one year
72% of school staff reported improved school climate
69% of school staff reported improved student respect for one another
64% of school staff reported improved student respect for staff

Successful in Maryland

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it's a good idea because it works.

https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/jstc-rcdvs/index-en.aspx
The offenders who participated in the restorative justice program had lower recidivism rates than the matched group of probationers. With each year during the follow-up the differences in recidivism rates for the two groups widened. At the first year, the restorative justice offenders had a recidivism rate of 15% compared to 38% for the probation group. At the second year the respective rates were 28% and 54% and by the third year the rates were 35% and 66%.

https://thedcline.org/2018/07/27/restorative-justice-program-for-juveniles-aims-to-foster-empathy-heal-trauma/
In the 60 juvenile cases that have gone through this program since its inception in 2016, 48 have had successful outcomes, according to Gajwani. Success is measured by the rate of rearrests. Nationally, the rate of recidivism for youth who opt for restorative justice as opposed to a traditional court proceeding is at 40 percent.

You're citing juvenile court cases. Taking restorative justice from that concept to schools is like using a blowtorch for weeding. Wrong tool, wrong setting.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/07/15/restorative-justice-montgomery-county-schools/
"A recent report by Sean Darling-Hammond, assistant professor of health and education at UCLA, indicates that restorative practices improve middle school students’ academic achievement, while reducing suspension rates and disparities, misbehavior, substance abuse and student mental health challenges."

https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED596786.pdf
"The earlier discussion about RJ theory suggests that a well-implemented program could
reduce punitive disciplinary actions and problem behavior over time (Tyler, 2006). All the
empirical studies we reviewed report a decrease in exclusionary discipline and harmful
behavior (e.g., violence) after implementing some type of RJ program. "

"But, across the studies, school attendance tended to improve after
RJ implementation. Baker (2009), for example, reports that students who participated in
an RJ program12 experienced a 50-percent reduction in absenteeism during the first year of
implementation and a decrease in tardiness of about 64 percent. "

"70 percent of staff reported
that RJ improved overall school climate during the first year of implementation."

It works in schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://www.osibaltimore.org/2020/09/new-report-indicates-major-impact-of-restorative-practices-in-baltimore-city-schools/

School suspensions dropped by 44% in one year
72% of school staff reported improved school climate
69% of school staff reported improved student respect for one another
64% of school staff reported improved student respect for staff

Successful in Maryland

You cannot seriously be suggesting that anything that happens in Baltimore City schools is a role model for other school systems, right? Please tell us you’re joking.

[Anonymous]

Restorative justice is traumatic to the victims whether the victims are students or teachers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://www.osibaltimore.org/2020/09/new-report-indicates-major-impact-of-restorative-practices-in-baltimore-city-schools/

School suspensions dropped by 44% in one year
72% of school staff reported improved school climate
69% of school staff reported improved student respect for one another
64% of school staff reported improved student respect for staff

Successful in Maryland

Baltimore City schools are not a success story.

Out of 150 schools, 23 Baltimore City schools had zero students proficient in math and another 20 schools with only one or two students total scoring proficient in math. Citing Baltimore City schools as demonstrating the success of restorative justice shows the opposite.

https://wpde.com/news/nation-world/23-baltimore-schools-have-zero-students-proficient-in-math-state-test-results-reveal-maryland-comprehensive-assessment-program-department-of-education-statistics-school-failures