I would like to be specific about what I am looking for - beyond a general understanding of how Australian schools employ restorative practices, I am seeking answers to these questions:
DISCIPLINE
How do restorative practices fit within the broad discipline (or behaviour management) policy of schools I visit?
At which point of the 'discipline process' are restorative practices employed?
Do restorative practices augment, replace or realign elements of the traditional discipline processes?
CULTURE CHANGE
How comprehensively have the implementation of restorative practices been employed? That is, has the implementation of restorative practices been accompanied by a major 'values analysis' - possibly a powerful culture shift?
Besides restorative conferences or restorative conversations being seen around the school, have other elements of school life also experienced a shift - greater inclusiveness of students voices in organisation of the school?
TRAINING
What support is given to staff in schools for the development of their understanding of restorative practices? - Are staff allowed to become trained in restorative processes at an entirely voluntary level or is their participation in training events an explicit expectation by school management?
How do schools keep restorative practices 'fresh' for staff? - avoiding the trap of jaded and "been there - done that" attitudes towards restorative practices?
PREVENTATIVE STRUCTURES
What attempts are made to employ restorative practices at a preventative level? - using restorative events as a means of maintaining healthy relationships between all members of the school community?
Are concepts such as 'circle time' used to allow classes to debrief at the end of each week? - sharing viewpoints in a responsible and respectful manner as a prevention from emotional boilovers.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
How has the community been involved in the uptake of restorative practices?
What consultation with parents or students was undertaken?
How has the philosophy of restorative practices been explained to members of the school community?
How are outcomes of restorative events shared with members of the school community?
There are more questions - but this will suffice for a beginning.
Bill Hubbard
