How Long Does It Take To Implement Restorative Practices?
Restorative Practices Training in schools is more than just another program—it’s a shift in mindset and culture for students and staff. This shift takes time, intention, and a commitment to doing things with fidelity. So, how long does it take to implement Restorative Practices in schools? For full programmatic implementation, research and experience show that it’s typically a 3-5 year process, requiring thoughtful planning, training, and ongoing support. Let’s break down what the implementation process entails, why it takes time, and what schools can expect along the way.
How Do You Implement Restorative Practices in Schools?
Understanding the Implementation Process
At times, perhaps due to a barrage of competing needs, high turnover, or a lack of funding, schools attempt to adopt a new program and within a year or two, it’s forgotten. Not only is this a waste of time and money, but it causes staff to lose trust in any new program that is selected and is guaranteed to elicit eye-rolling at the mention of more training. Quality implementation takes time, and a good plan is designed with the help of stakeholders and steady attention.
CSC’s implementation model follows best practices for both Restorative Practices in School Implementation and change management. We detail that below.
But first, we want you to have access to some of the research!
Take a look National Education Policy Center’s “The Starts and Stumbles of Restorative Justice in Education” by Gregory and Evans. https://nepc.colorado.edu/publication/restorative-justice
This research synthesis and policy brief outlines key insights for the successful implementation of Restorative Justice (or Restorative Practices) in schools. Keys to implementation include securing stakeholder buy-in, providing high-quality and ongoing training, embedding practices into school systems, and addressing equity issues to reduce racial disparities in discipline. Successful implementation leads to significant outcomes, such as reductions in suspension rates, improved school climate, decreased disproportionate discipline, and strengthened relationships among students and staff. The article also highlights common pitfalls, including superficial adoption, insufficient training, lack of stakeholder buy-in, overemphasis on discipline reduction rather than proactive community-building, and failure to sustain practices over time. Their guidance is a roadmap to prevent a short-lived initiative.
Another good article summarizing the research on implementing Restorative Practices in Schools is "Measuring Restorative Practices to Support Implementation in K-12 Schools. Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE)” by Darling-Hammond & Gregory. This provides a comprehensive overview of Restorative Practices and highlights their potential to improve school climate, reduce disciplinary disparities, and foster stronger student-teacher relationships. Similar to the Starts & Stumbles article, it emphasizes the importance of measuring fidelity to Restorative Practices during implementation to ensure meaningful outcomes. The study discusses common challenges, such as inconsistent application and insufficient training, and provides strategies for effective implementation. Overall, it advocates for a data-driven, systemic approach to embedding restorative practices in schools https://edpolicyinca.org/sites/default/files/2023-01/r_darling-hammond-feb2023.pdf.
CSC’s Approach to Implementing Restorative Practices in Schools
1. Assess Readiness
Before starting, we’ll help you evaluate your readiness for adoption. We’ll collaborate to look at key staff and student data, systems such as PBIS, and foundational procedures such as classroom management strategies, building M.O.s, and behavioral response flowcharts. Readiness assessments can help identify gaps that need addressing before Restorative Practices can take root.
2. Gather Voice & Build Buy-In
Buy-in from all stakeholders—staff, students, leaders, and families—is crucial. This is the first step in Fair Process Decision Making and a powerful tool for engagement and design.
3. Restorative Practices Training
Comprehensive training is essential. Staff need to learn not only the tools, like circles, affective statements, curbsides, or restorative conversations but also the philosophy and mindset behind Restorative Practices. Over and over, participants have expressed how much they loved and immediately used what they learned and experienced in our training.
4. Phased Implementation: A Slow Drip Method
Guided by the voice and choice of stakeholders, an explicit and phased calendar for implementation is created. Depending on the size of the district, pilot programs might be advisable, allowing schools to initiate implementation, collect data, and refine their approach before scaling.
5. Embed Into Systems & Build Sustainability
Restorative practice isn’t an add-on—it must be woven into existing systems like PBIS, disciplinary policies, classroom management, and behavior response protocols. We also focus on building the school or district’s capacity to lead the ongoing training, coaching, and monitoring needed.
6. Monitor and Adapt
Ongoing coaching and data collection are key to sustainability. Schools should track statistics on suspension rates, office referrals, and perceptions of school climate to assess progress. Feedback loops ensure that practices remain relevant and effective.
What Are the Outcomes of Restorative Practices?
When implemented with fidelity, restorative practices lead to measurable outcomes that can transform school culture. Here are some of the results supported by research and statistics:
Reduced Suspensions and Expulsions
Studies, such as those from the RAND Corporation and Chicago Public Schools, show significant reductions in suspension rates. In Chicago, schools saw an 18% decrease in out-of-school suspensions without an increase in in-school suspensions, while Pittsburgh Public Schools reported similar trends, particularly for elementary students.Improved School Climate & Decreased Bullying
Restorative practices foster a sense of belonging and safety. In Chicago Public Schools, there was significant improvement in student-reported perceptions of school climate, including items related to classroom behavior of peers, psychological sense of school membership, student-teacher trust, and school safety.
Decreased Disproportionate Discipline
A University of Pittsburgh study found that restorative practices narrowed racial disparities in discipline, ensuring fairer treatment for marginalized students.Strengthened Relationships
Proactive strategies like circles and affective statements help build trust, empathy, and accountability among students and staff.
Want to learn about CSC’s 5 Steps of Restorative Practices that help make an implementation plan clear? Give us a call and let us know how you’d like to get started!