Restorative Approaches to Conflict in Schools

<p>Drawing on recent international developments in criminal justice,<i> Restorative Approaches to Conflict in Schools</i> highlights the long-term ineffectiveness of punitive models of discipline in education contexts and examines an alternative approach, underpinned by the principles of restorative justice. This approach provides an opportunity for adults and young people to engage with a range of processes such as group conferencing and peer mediation, whereby:</p><ul> <li>conflict and harm are confronted and repaired;</li> <li>a future rather than past orientation is developed;</li> <li>relationships are built upon the values and attitudes of respect, inclusion and equality;</li> <li>pupils learn inter-personal and problem solving skills as well as social responsibility; </li> <li>staff develop skills and confidence in working restoratively;</li> <li>the risk of future/repeat problems is minimised; and</li> <li>a positive school ethos is developed.</li> </ul><p>These approaches have proven to be highly effective in criminal justice systems around the world, and are beginning to be applied more widely in educational contexts. This edited volume draws together for the first time contributions from an interdisciplinary field of international experts and practitioners on the subject, and offers both critique and guidance in order that the implementation of restorative approaches in schools may be undertaken thoughtfully and sustainably. This exciting new text will be a key reference book for locating contemporary, international and inter-disciplinary debate in the field.</p> <p>Acknowledgements Foreword 1. Contextual, Contested and Catalytic: A Thematic Introduction to the Potential of Restorative Approaches in Schools<em> </em><strong>Part 1: Contextualised</strong> 2. Restorative Justice: An International Perspective 3. The Journey from Criminal Justice to Education: Utilising Restorative Justice Practices in Schools in New Zealand<em> </em>4. Restorative Justice as World View<em> </em>5. Restorative Practices in New Zealand Schools: A Developmental Approach<em> </em>6. Merging Past and Present? Conflict Resolution in South African Township Schools: An Ubuntu–Restorative Approach 7. A Restorative Challenge: Can Citizenship Trump Identity in Northern Ireland?<em> </em>8. Restorative Approaches in School: A Psychological Perspective<em> </em>9. Reflections on Researching Restorative Approaches in Schools and Children’s Residential Care<em> </em><strong>Part 2: Contested</strong> 10. Restoration, Transformation or Education? A Philosophical Critique of Restorative Approaches in Schools<em> </em>11. Critical Perspectives on Restorative Justice / Restorative Approaches in Educational Settings<em> </em>12. Beyond the Bad Apple: Analytical and Theoretical Perspectives on the Development of Restorative Approaches in Schools<em> </em>13. Challenges to Education: Restorative Practice as a Radical Demand on Conservative Structures of Schooling<em> </em>14. Effective Evaluation of Restorative Approaches<em> </em><strong>Part 3: Catalytic?</strong> 15. Restorative Approaches in Schools: Necessary Roles of Cooperative Learning and Constructive Conflict<em> </em>16. Peacebuilding through Circle Dialogue Processes in Primary Classrooms: Locations for Restorative and Educative Work<em> </em>17. Challenging the Punitive Turn in Youth Justice through Restorative Approaches in Schools? 18. Creating the Restorative School Part 1: Seeding Restorative Approaches in Minnesota 19. Creating the Restorative School Part 2: The Impact of Restorative Approaches on Roles, Power and Language<em> </em> 20. Creating the Restorative School Part 3: Rethinking Neutrality and Hierarchy 21. Who misses out? - Inclusive Strategies for Students with Communicational Difficulties<em> </em>22. Speaking the Restorative Language</p>