The Effect of School Conditions on the Use of Restorative Justice in Schools

TLDR

Restorative justice has been shown to reduce student delinquency, improve academic outcomes, and enhance school climate, yet many schools still rely on punitive practices. This study investigates which school characteristics influence the adoption of restorative justice responses to violence and misbehavior, aiming to identify opportunities to reduce disparities, improve student outcomes, and lower future juvenile justice involvement. The authors analyze data from a nationally representative school sample to assess how school conditions affect the use of restorative justice for violence and misbehavior.

Abstract

Previous research has demonstrated beneficial outcomes of using restorative justice techniques, rather than traditional punitive approaches, in response to student misbehavior. As with the use of restorative justice in criminal justice contexts, restorative discipline shifts the focus from punishment and isolation to reconciliation and reintegration. Although the use of restorative justice techniques has decreased student delinquency, resulted in better academic outcomes, and improved school climate, many schools today continue to implement punitive practices to control student behavior. The current research uses data from a nationally representative sample of schools to examine school conditions that influence the use of restorative responses to violence and misbehavior. Identifying the characteristics of a school that affect the likelihood that specific restorative justice techniques will be implemented can reveal opportunities for diminishing disparities, improving outcomes for students, and reducing the odds that students will subsequently become involved in the juvenile justice system.