Restorative Practices training is an approach within educational (and other) settings that equips educators, school staff, and administrators with the tools and mindset to build strong relationships, foster a positive school climate, and address conflict in constructive, community-centered ways. This training provides participants with techniques and tools to strengthen relationships between staff and students, create classrooms and teams that have a strong sense of ownership and clear communication, respond to conflict through dialogue and repair, and supplement traditional discipline with a more supportive and accountable approach.  Key elements include proactive relationship-building strategies, as well as conflict resolution through affective statements, restorative conversations, and curbside conversations.

Restorative Practices training offers practical tools for reflection, accountability, and repair and gives educators and school staff a framework and tools to:

• Practice the skills to build strong connections with students and colleagues 

• Handle conflict in healthy ways 

• Create environments where people feel seen and valued

The training matters because it shifts the culture of a school—from one that reacts to behavior to one that addresses it with accountability and support. And when that shift happens, we see fewer suspensions, better behavior, stronger student engagement, improved staff satisfaction, and a deeper sense of ownership and accountability for everyone.

Restorative Practice Training focuses on several core practices designed to foster a collaborative and accountable school environment, including circle practices, affective statements, restorative conversations, intentional relationship building, and strategies that promote both support & accountability. Let’s look at each of these practices a little more deeply:

1. Circle Practices: Structured opportunities for dialogue that build connection, support reflection, and give everyone a voice—whether used proactively to build community or responsively to address challenges.

2. Affective Statements: Direct, respectful expressions of how someone’s behavior impacts you. By sharing a personal feeling, these statements reduce defensiveness and encourage reflection—offering a simple way to set boundaries or acknowledge impact without blame.

3. Restorative Conversations: Focused dialogues that address specific incidents, aiming to heal and restore relationships.

4. Relationship Building: Training emphasizes consistent, proactive strategies to build and maintain strong relationships within the school community.

5. Support and Accountability: Restorative practices help educators respond to behavior with a balance of care and clear expectations— offering the support students need to be successful while holding them to high standards.

These practices collectively help reduce conflicts and improve school culture by integrating restorative approaches into everyday interactions.

Restorative Practices (RP) in Schools encompass various activities and approaches designed to foster a community atmosphere, resolve conflicts, and build relationships. Here are a few examples:

1. Circles and Team Huddles: These create an engaging environment for students and staff, sparking meaningful discussions and collaboration. CSC helps customize these to fit district needs, determining frequency and incorporating academic content where appropriate.

2. Integration with PBIS: RP practices are woven into existing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) systems, enhancing classroom management or tiered interventions. For example, using affective statements for a 3:1 reinforcement-to-redirection ratio or incorporating curbside conversations into behavioral flowcharts.

3. Restorative Conversations: These brief, intentional check-ins often happen in the moment or as students re-enter after an issue, such as a suspension. They help students reflect on what happened, repair relationships, and reset expectations—so things don’t build up or repeat.

4. Parental and Community Involvement: Workshops and scripts for difficult conversations help engage parents and the community, fostering a supportive environment around the school.

CSC provides tailored support and resources to implement these strategies effectively, ensuring they fit within the unique dynamics and needs of each school.