Restorative Discipline Practices in Texas

Restorative Discipline Practices (RDP) in Texas began in the Fall of 2015. The Texas Education Agency partnered with the Institute for Restorative Justice and Restorative Dialogue at The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work to participate in a statewide roll out.

A grant provided training to ten of the twenty education service centers and school districts in Texas. The first ten service centers were selected based on the number of African American males that were suspended from the school districts in their regions. The training occurred in two parts. The first part included a two-day administrator readiness training, the second part a five-day coordinator training. The remaining ten regional service centers will receive the same training.

The goal is to plant the restorative discipline practices seeds across Texas. 1,400 administrators and 400 coordinators obtained training as of the fall 2016.

The Texas Definition of Restorative Discipline

Marilyn Armour, Ph.D., defines restorative discipline as a relational approach to building school climate and addressing student behavior. The approach fosters belonging over exclusion, social engagement over control, and meaningful accountability over punishment.

An overview of Restorative Discipline Practices in Texas training is available on the Texas Gateway.

Lesson Plan for Circles

An introductory training in the basic principles, values, and processes of Restorative Discipline Practices and interventions in school settings is necessary to build community and for responding to challenging, behavior through open dialogue, coming to an understanding, and opportunities to set things right. After you have attended training for Restorative Discipline Practices and have an understanding of the circle process and how to facilitate circles, this sample lesson plan will assist you as begin to experience circles in your classroom with your students.

Restorative Practices at Home - Resources for Parents.

I Message and Respect Agreement are available for parents to assist in implementing RDP in home learning.

Additional Resources