About this archived opportunity

In recent years, the use of restorative practices in schools has grown rapidly. Restorative practices are designed to proactively build community, improve relationships, and help students amend harm when conflict occurs. A literature review of 34 studies1 conducted in seven countries, including 23 studies from the United States, found that restorative practices improve school climate and safety, improve student well-being, and promote positive conflict management. These studies also found that schools that increased use of restorative practices saw a decrease in schoolwide misbehavior, bullying, substance abuse, disparity, and student mental health challenges. Recognizing the benefit of evidence-based approaches to improve school climate and culture, Education Code Section 49055 mandated that the California Department of Education (CDE) develop evidence-based best practices for restorative practices. The best practices for restorative practices developed by the CDE are posted on the CDE’s website at https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ss/se/restorativepractices.asp.