Restorative Practices in Texas

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 training have resumed with our ESC Partners! The February sessions will be hosted online by Regions 1 and 4, and will be available to all educators across Texas.

Video Resources

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.

• Sample Lesson Plan

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