

252: Where Discipline Reform Has Gone Wrong (in Some Schools)
17 snips May 27, 2025
bink jones, a restorative justice educator, and Alex Shevrin Venet, a trauma-informed consultant, dive into the complexities of school discipline reform. They address the frustrating breakdown of discipline systems that leave teachers feeling unsupported. Both guests emphasize the misinterpretations of restorative practices and advocate for community-building strategies over punitive measures. They also highlight the need for effective training to create safe, respectful classrooms, offering hopeful paths for educators striving for positive change.
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Restorative Justice's True Aim
- Restorative justice aims to heal rather than punish, seeking to repair harm instead of adding to it.
- Misapplication causes schools to think no consequences means restorative justice, but that's not true.
Misapplication, Not Restorative Justice
- Many schools implementing restorative practices lack clarity and consistent application.
- Confusion and misapplication make restorative practices look like they're failing, not the framework itself.
PBIS Vs Restorative Philosophy
- PBIS relies heavily on external rewards and consequences, differing from restorative justice's relational philosophy.
- Mixed use of PBIS and restorative approaches creates confusion and inconsistency in discipline.