Accountability and Restoration over Retribution

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Restorative practices are based on the belief that actions should have consequences, especially when they cause harm to oneself or others. It focuses on character development and helping students understand the concept of cause and effect, emphasizing the importance of accepting accountability for one's actions. Restorative practices prioritize accountability, understanding the harm caused, taking full responsibility for repairing that harm, and implementing consequences associated with repairing the harm. In contrast, retributive practices focus on punishment as a form of retribution, seeking to match the hurt caused by the individual with an equivalent amount of hurt. The focus shifts from punishment to restoration in restorative practices, aiming at repairing harm and fostering accountability rather than seeking vengeance.

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Why did students struggle so much to learn through video meetings during the locked-down days of the pandemic? What are "student-led restorative practices"? What is "self-connection practice"? What tools are students lacking? When is violence the optimal solution to a problem? What are the biggest problems in education right now? What do students need in order to be successful humans? How can schools give students more agency and autonomy? What happens if students refuse to participate in restorative processes? How do our societal goals shape our educational goals?

AJ Crabill's focus is improving student outcomes. He serves as Conservator at DeSoto, Texas ISD; and during his guidance, DeSoto improved from F ratings in academics, finance, and governance to B ratings. He's also Faculty at the Leadership Institute of Nevada and Director of Governance at the Council of the Great City Schools. He served as Deputy Commissioner at the Texas Education Agency and spearheaded reforms as board chair of Kansas City Public Schools that doubled the percentage of students who are literate and numerate. Crabill is the author of Great On Their Behalf: Why School Boards Fail, How Yours Can Become Effective, and is a recipient of the Education Commission of the State's James Bryant Conant Award. Learn more about him at his website, ajc7.com, or follow him on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter / X.

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