Restorative Practices Made Simple
The Restorative Practices Made Simple video series helps you understand the power of this transformative approach to building relationships and creating positive learning environments. You will learn how you can bring this approach to your school and make a lasting difference in the lives of your students.
Dr. Gaye Lang, Director for Restorative Practices for the Texas Education Agency, is joined every month by a panel of educators who share their experiences and successes with Restorative Practices. The panel will showcase real-world examples of how this approach has positively impacted students in their schools and communities. From reducing disciplinary problems to improving student engagement, you'll see the tangible results of Restorative Practices in action.
1: The Untapped Goldmine
January 9, 2023 — Dr. Gaye Lang introduces the "Untapped Goldmine" that is Restorative Practices. She is joined by Aretha Franklin Burleson from Houston ISD and Laura Richard Crosby from Crosby ISD.
2: It's All About Building Relationships
February 2, 2023 — Dr. Gaye Lang and panelists Yanitizie Oquendo and Jennifer McCready introduce the concept of the Community Building Circle and discuss its critical role, "It's All About Building Relationships".
Download Worksheet3: So Simple Even Students Can Do It
March 8, 2023 — Dr. Gaye Lang and panelists Jennifer Harwell and Aretha Franklin Burleson demonstrate the value of academic circles that are "So Simple, Even Students Can Do It."
Download Worksheet4: The Respect Agreement
April 12, 2023 — Dr. Gaye Lang and panelists Danielle Czeszynsky and Yanitzie Oquendo show how establishing a "Respect Agremeent" with students can prepare them to better communicate with each other and with their parents at home.
Download Worksheet5: I-Messages
May 10, 2023 — Dr. Gaye Lang and panelists Jake Shirley and Sofia Vaughan discuss I-Messages as a strategy for de-escalation, and how it has been implemented in a bilingual elementary school in Garland, Texas.
Download Worksheet6: Family Group Conferencing
June 7, 2023 — Dr. Gaye Lang and panelists Laura Richard and Jennifer McCready introduce the concept of Family Group Conferencing which brings together family members in open dialogue to address and repair harm, while strengthening relationships and fostering accountability.
Download Worksheet
7: Circle of Support and Accountability
July 12, 2023 — Dr. Gaye Lang and panelists Laura Richard and Jennifer McCready discuss the importance of Circle of Support and Accountability (COSA) in helping students who have been away from their original school campus, whether due to illness, migration, or other reasons, feel welcomed and supported upon their return.
Download Worksheet8: Early Childhood Education
August 4, 2023 — Dr. Gaye Lang and panelists Christy De Leon and Nataline Hall discuss the implementation of Restorative Practices in Early Childhood Education, emphasizing the importance of building relationships, fostering a relational approach to behavior change, and the significance of consistent and committed efforts from both educators and students for successful outcomes.
Download Worksheet9: Better Data with the Fidelity Continuum Scale
September 5, 2023 — Dr. Gaye Lang and panelists Jennifer McCready and Jake Shirley discuss their experiences with the Fidelity Continuum Scale, emphasizing the importance of training, data collection, and the positive impact of restorative discipline practices on reducing disciplinary incidents in school settings.
Download Worksheet10: Planning for Success: Implementation (Part 1)
October 13, 2023 — Dr. Gaye Lang and panelists Tijuana Hudson and Clifton Wilson discuss experiences and insights on Planning for Success and how to effectively implement Restorative Discipline Practices, with a focus on training teachers and administrators.
Download Worksheet11: Planning for Success: Implementation (Part 2)
November 15, 2023 — Dr. Gaye Lang and panelists Jake Shirley and Yanitizie Oquendo discuss experiences on implementation of Restorative Discipline Practices in two schools each, with a focus on the various restorative models for a successful implementation.
Download Worksheet12: Families as Partners
December 8, 2023 — Explore how Restorative Practice methods strengthen family-school partnerships and enhance student well-being by fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for children both in school and at home. Featuring Dr. Gaye Lang and panelists Christian DeLeon and Nataline Hall.
Download Worksheet