A Personalized Approach to Restorative Justice and

Social-Emotional Learning

Jessica Connors, Stephanie Indianer, Kory Kliebert, Joe Sloan, Matthew Pitucco Distinctive Schools: CICS Bucktown and CICS Irving Park - Chicago, Illinois

CICS Bucktown | Social Worker & Behavior Coach

CICS Irving Park | Dean of Students

“There is nothing more personalized

than attending to the hopes, dreams, fears, and social-emotional

needs of our students”

RESTORE: having the ability to make someone feel strong or healthy again; to give back something that is lost, taken or unmet; Repair or renovate”

● Personalizing responses to student behaviors by using restorative practices and looking at each student’s individual needs. ○ Creating personalized action plans for each

student based on their needs and situation, which may a variety of forms.■ Examples: community service, educational

videos or reflection, and restorative conversations with peers or staff. This is not just a new trending system.

What is Restorative Discipline?

TOOL KIT

Shift in Mindsets | Traditional Consequences VS. Restorative Discipline

Demerits or Incident = ● specific consequences regardless of

behavior ● Consequence used as deterrent

Demerits or Incident = ● Review the situation● Reflection/process behavior● Restorative meeting with all involved● Consequence reviewed with student to

understand the cause and effect● Skills taught to decrease future incidents● Follow up/Check in on student

Positive Outcomes | Restorative Justice ● Decrease in student discipline referrals

● Decrease in repeat conflicts with peers and staff

● Teachers engaging with students in a reflective way rather than administering punitive consequences.

● Teachers have changed their language to reflect restorative practices

● Parent partnerships to identify and address individual student concerns and needs.

SEL & Restorative Justice | Strengthening Relationships & Celebrating Community

● A consistent, common language among all stakeholders

● Teachers have initiated positive changes in classroom management, thus nurturing an environment where they are engaging with students in a reflective way

● Celebrating the uniqueness of each student and highlighting the valuable role they play in our school community

Questions?