Restorative Practices in Texas
Contact Information
Texas Education Agency
Department Innovation and Charters
Dr. Gaye Lang
(512) 463-2023
RDP@tea.texas.gov
Dr. Marilyn Armour defines Restorative Practices as “A relational approach to building school climate and addressing student behavior that fosters belonging over exclusion, social engagement over control and meaningful accountability over punishment.”
Restorative Practices (RP) in Texas began in the Fall of 2015. The Texas Education Agency partnered with the Institute for Restorative Justice and Restorative Dialogue at The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work to participate in a statewide roll out.
A grant provided training to ten of the twenty education service centers and school districts in Texas. The first ten service centers were selected based on the number of African American males that were suspended from the school districts in their regions. The training occurred in two parts. The first part included a two-day administrator readiness training, the second part a five-day coordinator training. The remaining ten regional service centers will receive the same training.
The goal is to plant the restorative practices seeds across Texas. 1,400 administrators and 400 coordinators obtained training as of the fall 2016.
Restorative Practices Training
EXCITING NEWS
Restorative Practices trainings have resumed with our ESC Partners! The training sessions will be hosted online by ESC authorized providers and will be available to all educators across Texas.
Virtual Training Opportunities
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|
ESC Partner |
Date and Time |
Training |
|---|---|---|
| Region 12 |
June 9, 2026, from 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM |
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| Region 12 |
June 10, 2026, from 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM |
|
| Region 10 |
June 12, 2026, from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
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| Region 5 |
June 17, 2026, from 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM |
|
| Region 13 |
June 17, 2026, from 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM |
|
| Region 2 |
June 18, 2026, from 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM |
|
| Region 10 |
June 19, 2026, from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
|
| Region 13 |
June 19, 2026, from 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM |
|
| Region 13 |
June 22, 2026, from 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM |
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| Region 12 |
June 24, 2026, from 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM |
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| Region 13 |
June 24, 2026, from 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM |
|
| Region 10 |
June 26, 2026, from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
In-Person Training Opportunities
Additionally, select providers also offer in-person training opportunities available to all Texas educators:
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|
ESC Partner |
Date and Time |
Training |
|---|---|---|
| Region 5 |
June 8, 2026, from 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM |
|
| Region 5 |
June 9, 2026, from 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM |
|
| Region 5 |
June 10, 2026, from 8:20 AM - 3:30 PM |
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| Region 12 |
June 11, 2026, from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
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| Region 19 |
June 11, 2026, from 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM (MST) |
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| Region 10 |
June 15, 2026, from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
|
| Region 2 |
June 16, 2026, from 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM |
|
| Region 12 |
June 17, 2026, from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
|
| Region 19 |
June 17, 2026, from 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM (MST) |
|
| Region 10 |
June 18, 2026, from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
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| Region 19 |
June 18, 2026, from 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM (MST) |
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| Region 5 |
June 22, 2026, from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
|
| Region 2 |
June 24, 2026, from 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM |
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| Region 10 |
June 25, 2026, from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
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| Region 10 |
June 29, 2026, from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
Campus Coordinator Tier 2 |
| Region 12 |
June 30, 2026, from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
Video Resources
Restorative Practices Made Simple
In "Restorative Practices Made Simple", Dr. Gaye Lang and her invited panel discuss real-world examples of how Restorative Practices has positively impacted students across the state.
Restorative Practices Made Simple: Families as Partners
Dr. Gaye Lang's new video series "Restorative Practices Made Simple: Families as Partners" empowers parents with tools for effective communication and aligns home and school environments for children's benefit.
Seeing Circles
The Seeing Circles video series shows an example of a Restorative Circle, a type of Restorative Practice.
Restorative Practices at Home
How you phrase redirection and correction is a vital aspect of correcting and changing behavior. This is the 3rd leg of the "3 legged stool" of restorative practices.
Restorative Practices Lesson Plans
Sample Lesson Plan
After you have attended training for Restorative Practices and have an understanding of the circle process and how to facilitate circles, this sample lesson plan will assist you as begin to experience circles in your classroom with your students.
Promoting Positive Restorative Relationships at Home
Here are some sample lessons for parents to use when implementing Restorative Practices at home and integrating them into home learning.
Additional Resources
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| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| RP Badges | RP Fidelity Continuum Scale (FCS) & Data Collection Sheet, Campuses Earning the RP Badge of Distinction |
| Level 2 State Trainers | NEW! Vetted List of Level 2 State Trainers |
| Final Report | Final Report from TEA and the University of Texas at Austin Institute for Restorative Justice and Restorative Dialogue Partnership Statewide Roll Out. The report represents the Restorative Practice trainings in the 20 ESCs. |