Completing the Circle: Linkages Between Restorative Practices, Socio-Emotional Well-Being, and Racial Justice in Schools. (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huguley, James P.; Fussell-Ware, Dashawna J.; McQueen, Shanté Stuart; Wang, Ming-Te; DeBellis, Bianca R.
• Other Names: Scott LaRon A. guest-editor.; Serpell Zewelanji N. guest-editor.; DeVlieger Shana E. guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of emotional and behavioral disorders. Volume 30:Number 2(2022)
• Page Start: 138
• Page End: 153
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: restorative practice -- school discipline -- school climate -- school adjustment -- mental health -- achievement -- race -- equity; Emotional problems of children -- Periodicals; Behavior disorders in children -- Periodicals; Problem children -- Periodicals; Problem youth -- Periodicals; Adjustment disorders in children -- Periodicals; Child psychopathology -- Periodicals; 618.9289005
• DOI: 10.1177/10634266221088989
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1063-4266

Abstract

Mounting evidence demonstrates that exclusionary discipline practices like suspensions and expulsions have long-term negative socio-emotional, behavioral, and academic consequences for the students who experience them, with evidence of spill-over effects for nonexcluded students. Restorative practice has emerged as a promising alternative to punitive discipline approaches, yet evidence is mixed on whether it can improve academic outcomes or curb racial disparities in school discipline. In a new conceptual model, we argue that the full potential of restorative practice can only be reached when it is (a) operationalized more directly within a socio-emotional framework; (b) responsive to more significant mental health needs; and (c) informed by a multifaceted understanding of how racism contributes to discipline disparities, both directly through interpersonal biases and indirectly through structural oppression. A revised conceptual model based on evidence from the broader literature, original data analyses, and pilot intervention results is advanced.