Research Shows Benefits of Using Restorative Practices in Chicago Pub…

Black Chicago Public Schools students are benefitting from a shift in discipline practices at area schools, according to new research.

A study from the University of Chicago Education Lab showed using restorative practices led to an 18% reduction in suspensions, along with 35% fewer arrests at school and a 15% decrease in out-of-school arrests.

Restorative practices are a different approach to conflict. The response is to repair harm by restoring relationships and helping the perpetrator understand the damage they’ve done, rather than retaliating against them.

Fatemeh Momeni, a research director with the University of Chicago Education Lab and one of the contributors to the study, explained the goal of using restorative practices.

“What it will look like in schools is there’s a lot of accountability,” she said. “There’s a lot of emphasis on building relationships, positive relationships, and in general, a culture that reduces the likelihood of conflicts happening in the…