Restorative Practices
WISD Restorative practices Vision
We consistently and inclusively invest in making relationships matter most in successful learning communities where the dignity, rights, and needs of all members are valued and respected. We are building a restorative community that is safe, supportive and conscious of injustice. When community is harmed, accountability involves collaborative communication, skills-building, and harm-healing to build trust and strengthen relationships.
Mission and Strategic Priorities
- Supporting adoption of restorative practices philosophy and practices throughout the Washtenaw Intermediate School District,
- Providing training and support for schools to regularly practice staff- and student-led circles for learning, community-building, and addressing conflict and misconduct using trauma-sensitive approaches,
- Hosting peer-mediation teams/councils that help address conflict and identify situations of harm that need to be addressed,
- Offering conflict coaching for members at all levels of the learning community,
- Hosting collaborative networks of practitioners who will engage and empower schools to adopt relationship-focused paradigm.
Restorative Practices Training Opportunities for Staff
Introduction to Restorative Practices (Days 1 -2)
Building and strengthening relationships and community is a critical component of school culture. Restorative practices is an essential process for creating a positive learning environment, building social capital, and resolving relational issues. During this two-day introductory experience, you will learn the fundamental theory and practices for engaging with students, staff, and parents in your school setting.
Day 1: Introduction to Restorative Practices focuses on key concepts of Restorative Practices and how they are used to build strong, healthy relationships, resolve challenges, and build social capital. The concepts involve reflection and awareness of one's self and one's practice.
Day 2: Using Circles Effectively applies fundamental processes of Restorative Practices and enables participants to practice techniques, including how to optimally utilize circles in any setting. Facilitated by Black Family Development, Inc., a licensed partner of the International Institute of Restorative Practices.
Audience: K-12 teachers, staff, & administrators. (Free for Washtenaw County Staff).
Dates for the Introduction to restorative Practices(Day 1-2) for the 2026-2027 school year are still being finalized.
Facilitating a Restorative Circle (Days 3 -4)
Facilitating a Restorative Circle focuses on techniques to facilitate a formal conference involving a victim and an offender. Restorative conferences allow those who have been affected by an incident to share their feelings, describe how they were affected, and develop a plan to repair the harm done and prevent recurrence.
Session includes: Analysis of true stories that illustrate emotional dynamics and healing of restorative conferences as compared to more punitive approaches; Interactive exercises that help identify who should be invited to a conference and how to prepare them, and more.
Audience: K-12 teachers, staff, & administrators. (Free for Washtenaw County Staff).
Dates for the Facilitating a Restorative Circle (Days 3-4) for the 2026-2027 school year are still being finalized.
- SW CEU Credits - Pending Approval
- SCECHs ($10.50) - Pending Approval
Visit the Wayne RESA website for additional offerings of the Restorative Practices trainings.
Peers-Making-Peace
Strategic Initiative:
Hosting peer-mediation teams/councils that help address conflict and identify situations of harm that need to be addressed.
Resources to Support & Manage Peers Making Peace Operations in Schools:
Considerations and Commitments for Hosting a Peers-Making-Peace Team developed by P-M-P Trainers and advisors, Belinda Dulin and Amy McLoughlin.
Restorative Intervention Sample Log developed by Lauren Fardig-Diop of ACCE HS.
Sample Behavior Response Chart Used at ACCE HS shared by Lauren Fardig-Diop.
Circle Planning Template developed by Lauren Fardig-Diop of ACCE HS.
Sample Circle Centerpiece developed by Valencia Brooks and Lauren Fardig-Diop.
Example of Student Peer Mediators in Action MetWest High School students and advisor show us how they do circle in the Oakland (CA) Unified School District.
Resources for Education
Restorative practices in Education:
Educators across the country are integrating the restorative practices paradigm into their learning communities and sharing their wisdom. This section features news articles, books, manuals, videos and websites showcasing their work and offering insights you might find useful. Take time to explore, download and apply their experience to your restorative practices journey.
Articles:
Articles on Restorative Practices in Schools
An Introduction to Restorative Practices
Books:
Restorative Practices Resources
Manuals:
Various Restorative Practices in Schools Manuals
Videos:
Websites:
Training Handouts
Restorative Practices Training Handouts:
Elementary Student Restorative Thinking
Colorado High School Replaces Punishment with Talking Circles by the PBS NewsHour (YouTube)
Restorative Practices by Pinellas County Schools (YouTube)