Restorative JusticeClassroom Circles

September 2014

Kris Miner, MS Executive DirectorSt. Croix Valley Restorative Justice Program

www.scvrjp.org715-425-1100 scvrjp@gmail.com

• respect for all involved• Problem Solving/Empowering• Rooted in deeper values–equal worth of all people–appreciation for diversity–belief in interconnectedness

Restorative Justice

Restorative Strategies . . .

The building of social capital and achieving social discipline

through participatory learning and decision making

Restorative strategies generate:–Greater sense of understanding–Compassion–Increase of self-respect–Increase of respect for others

Restorative Strategies

1:1 fewgroup classroom

Harm is in the eye of the beholder

e

Good relationships need to be at the heart of everything a school does if effective

teaching and learning are to take place.

4 Key Relationships in School Buildings:• Teacher to Teaching• Teacher to Student• Student to Student• Student to Learning

Physical

Mental

Emotional

Spiritual

Values

ReactionsActions

Decisions

COMMUNITY BUILDING

HEALINGCONNECTIONS

Medicine WheelAncients Teachings

Ceremony

Values*

Storytelling

Guidelines Stages*

Talking Piece

Keeper

Consensus

© Kay Pranis

* Kris Miner

Shared Values

RJ Circle Elements

1. Keeper2. Talking Piece3. Values4. Ceremony5. Stages6. Consensus7. Storytelling

Equal dignity & worthCentered/centering

4 elements of being 4 stages of the process

L – ListenR – RespectT – TruthT - Turns

T

T

L R

CareConnectCommit

Getting Acquainted

Taking Action

Addressing Issues

Building Relationships

RJ Circle

Some

Few

All

Restorative Practices Triangle Intensive Intervention

Early Intervention

Prevention & Skill Building

Re-Build Relationships

Repair Relationships

Re-Affirm Relationships

4 Being

3 Doing

2 Referring

1 Interested

0 Unknown

-1 Opposed

Practitioner Check-list

Understand the PhilosophyKnowledge of the intended outcomesExperience and comfort w/healingUnderstanding of accountability to communityKnowledge of the Circle ProcessExperience in a Restorative Justice CircleSupport and team membersKnowledge of the stages, role of keeper, tips &

techniques of Circle-keeping

Starbucks Cup

It’s relationships, not programs that change children . . . Young people thrive when adults care

about them on a one-to-one level, and when they have a sense of

belonging to a caring community.