Cloverleaf Local School District’s Post

The Case for Transformative Justice in Schools In January of 2019 or 2020 (what is time???), I attended the Restorative Justice Initiative’s (https://lnkd.in/ezVEsyqY) city-wide gathering in New York. Among the day’s engaging events was a circle led by two high school students who attended a school where restorative justice practices had been adopted. The wisdom dropped by our high school-aged facilitators was profound and incited epiphanies in the minds and spirits of the adults in the circle. With insights well beyond their teenage years, they painted the picture of contradictions present at their schools where restorative justice is concerned. One such example of said contradictions shared was the simultaneous presence of peer mediation and circles with metal detectors and school resource officers. As the discussion unfolded, we affirmed their astute analyses of their school’s RJ contradictions and amidst this conversation they took the time to teach us how to do this work better and more justly. With passion and unflagging resolve, they said that the real work isn’t simply restorative justice but the work of transformative justice. I left that gathering better prepared to do this work and I credit these young souls with growing me that day. One text I use to guide my thought and practice when it comes to transformative justice in schools is Dr. Maisha Winn’s (2018) Justice on Both Sides: Transforming Education Through Restorative Justice (https://lnkd.in/ei5Ybkdc): “In a restorative justice process, all stakeholders have an opportunity to explore ‘What were your needs before the incident in question?’ And ‘What are your needs now?’ Imagine students, youth, and adults in a school community discussing their needs to address obligations and next steps to make things right, from the very beginning of the academic year, and determining together who is obligated to meet these needs” (p. 21). I look forward to exploring this work further with groups of pre- and in-service teachers in my capacity as a teacher educator and educational equity facilitator. Shout-out to a future where transformative justice is the norm, and not the exception, in schools. ✊🏾  

What a great thermometer to measure ourselves by. I can see the value of this being implemented in workplaces as well.

Scott Yenor describes more than 20 woke pieces of legislation passed in California in recent years and the terrible effects they have on California education. Dr. Yenor explains what’s really going in some key educational buzzwords: culturally responsive teaching, social emotional learning, action civics, critical social justice, and restorative justice.  Here is the report this episode is based on: https://lnkd.in/g93ZiikX

In reviewing the seminal "Broken Windows" article by James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling, it is striking to note that the word "education" does not appear even once. This omission highlights an area ripe for development in our approach to community policing. It's time to move beyond simply using the phrase "community policing" and take proactive steps to integrate educational initiatives into our efforts. Here is just one of the many possible paths that can be taken to re-tool the sentiments of community policing: incorporating comprehensive education programs aimed at public safety. These programs can foster mutual understanding, build stronger relationships, and ultimately enhance the quality of life for all. Remember, policing is a team sport and requires the investment of ALL stakeholders. By committing to education, we can ensure that our community policing initiatives are not just words, but actions that make a tangible difference.

Regardless of the wealth of documentation of extensive, long-term research into the incredible power and efficacy of arts in education in regards to student engagement, academic outcomes, attendance, mental health, and post-high school preparedness for career & college, many, many schools at all grade levels still do not meet CA Ed Code requirements for arts in schools. Far more troubling is that, after the incredible efforts behind devising, supporting, and passing Prop 28 in CA with unprecedented majority support for both arts and education legislation, a shocking number of schools - and even districts - are misusing Prop 28 funds - and many are doing so despite intense efforts and advocacy by students and teachers to grow and expand offerings. Yes, it’s a tough year and scary look forward financially, but Prop 28 was passed to protect arts in education especially during these lean years. Elective offerings continue to expand at schools, but not in the arts, because they’re not funded and not prioritized despite their documented importance. Class enrollment numbers are often cited as the reason why programs are cut - but programs are cut without properly using post-Covid funding and now Prop 28 funds meant to provide the consistency necessary to grow and strengthen the arts programs and build strong enrollment. It’s not enough, clearly, to pass the legislation. We all need to demand that Prop 28 funds be spent as mandated in the legislation - with proof. All doesn’t just mean students or teachers - it means our smallest to our largest companies, businesses, organizations, it means our leaders in government and industry, it means anyone who cares about the strength of our schools and thus our great state into the future.

We asked Connecticut students, teachers, civics experts and practitioners, and government officials to tell us why it is important for young people to be involved in their communities. To celebrate Civic Learning week, we've posted their responses at https://lnkd.in/eid7FSWZ #CivicLearningWeek #CivicLearningWeekCT #civiceducation"

this is powerful.

For many parents, TRUST is the reason they choose to send their children to your school instead of another school. https://lnkd.in/gy3yCzzc They TRUST you to do right by their children. That’s why the way you investigate student misconduct really matters. #education #school #independentschools #investigation

Education is the fuel to empower change and foster opportunity.

What do parents need to know about school discipline? We've compiled everything parents need to know from the definition of "restorative justice", questions to ask your school when things get out of hand, to groups pushing discipline policies that have negative effects.