Restorative Justice 101

<h1>Restorative Justice 101</h1><p><strong>Restorative Practices in Schools</strong> is a groundbreaking and comprehensive guide for transforming school culture through <strong>relationship accountability justice and healing</strong>. In an era when educational systems are being called to confront legacies of <strong>racial inequity</strong> <strong>discipline disparities</strong> and <strong>student trauma</strong> this book offers educators leaders and community partners a clear path forward. Rooted in the wisdom of restorative justice and trauma-informed care - and grounded in the lived experiences of students families and educators - this book is both a visionary call to action and a highly practical guide.</p><p>At its heart <strong>restorative practice is a paradigm shift</strong>. It moves us beyond the limitations of punitive discipline and exclusionary practices and toward <strong>schools where every student belongs every voice is heard and every harm can be addressed through relational repair</strong>. Dr. Maxwell Shimba draws on decades of experience in <strong>educational leadership</strong> <strong>restorative justice</strong> and <strong>justice-centered school transformation</strong> to guide readers through the why what and how of this essential work.</p><p>The book begins by illuminating the <strong>historical and philosophical foundations</strong> of restorative justice - including its Indigenous roots and its intersections with movements for racial educational and healing justice. It then explores how <strong>authentic restorative practices</strong> can be implemented at every level of schooling: from the classroom to the whole school from district policy to community partnership. Each chapter offers <strong>practical tools leadership roadmaps and reflection guides</strong> - empowering readers to turn vision into action.</p><p>Importantly this book places <strong>equity</strong> at the center of restorative practice. It refuses to separate relational work from the urgent need to confront systemic harm and oppression. Readers will find guidance on addressing <strong>racial discipline disparities</strong> building <strong>anti-racist restorative cultures</strong> and ensuring that restorative practices do not replicate inequities but instead foster true justice and belonging.</p><p>The book also bridges restorative justice with <strong>trauma-informed care</strong> - showing how these approaches when integrated can create schools that are not only safe but <strong>healing-centered</strong>. Readers will learn how to support students carrying the weight of trauma to build cultures of relational trust and to align restorative practice with the science of resilience and well-being.</p><p>For school leaders and district teams <strong>Restorative Practices in Schools</strong> provides a powerful framework for <strong>system-wide transformation</strong>. It includes leadership competencies district scaling roadmaps and evaluation tools - all designed to support sustainable high-fidelity and equity-driven implementation. For graduate students it offers a rich foundation for leadership preparation and scholarly inquiry. And for policy advocates it outlines pathways to influence state and national education policy toward restorative and just futures.</p><p>More than a handbook this is a <strong>field-building book</strong> - one that invites readers to join a movement for education rooted in <strong>justice empathy and connection</strong>. Whether you are a teacher principal district leader graduate student community partner or policymaker this book will inspire and equip you to build schools where <strong>every child can thrive every relationship can heal and every community can hope</strong>. The work is urgent. The possibilities are profound. The circle is open - come join us.</p><p></p>