ABSTRACT
Many K-12 schools have turned to restorative practices as a means of reducing reliance on exclusionary discipline and improving a range of student outcomes. This chapter summarizes quantitative research on the impact of restorative practices in schools, detailing the many studies which have found that restorative practices can improve school climates, reduce overall rates of exclusionary discipline, and bridge disparities in discipline; as well as the more mixed evidence base regarding the impact of restorative practices on students’ academic outcomes. The chapter concludes with policy considerations for implementing restorative practices, including implementing proactive communication campaigns to allay caregiver concerns, nudging teachers who have received training to use restorative practices when opportunities present, providing training to all school personnel (including school resource officers), leveraging technological advancements to implement restorative practices during periods of remote instruction, and ensuring students of all backgrounds gain exposure to, and benefit from, these promising practices.
