Restorative justice, an alternative to traditional discipline that is gaining popularity in schools, is seen as a shift in school culture that emphasizes reparation over retribution, described KQED News.

While initial observations and surveys are largely positive, more research is needed to fully determine restorative justice's effects. One area that needs further exploration is how it can reduce the racial disparity in discipline. Regardless, this mindset shift takes energy and commitment, and not all schools will be able to embrace it quickly.

Students like restorative justice circles so much that some are using them when personal conflicts crop up outside of school. School leaders who'd like to introduce the concept into their school community might first consider teacher training.

One study showed that even just a short empathy training program for middle school teachers changed their behavior — and their students' — for the better.

Other guidelines for school leaders to consider include: showing reluctant stakeholders the scientific evidence about how punitive discipline shuts down a child's ability to learn, while restorative responses create a state of relaxed alertness and assigning a point person.

It's also important to prioritize follow-up. Students who have been suspended or expelled can be welcomed back to the school community in a reentry circle, perhaps including parents.

Read the full article about restorative justice in schools by Christina Vercelletto at Education Dive.