Alternatives to Suspension: Restitution
Restitution is a way of teaching the student to repair or eliminate the damage caused. The key feature here is the development and implementation of a plan for correcting the harm done. Although this process can be used in many different ways, the focus of restitution should be on establishing the conditions in which a student may correct his or her mistake and be reintegrated in the classroom setting.
Restitution can be used as a logical extension of the restorative chat. After evaluating the situation with the student, a restitution plan is developed. The plan may include the use of:
a) an oral or written apology,
b) a re-entry meeting,
c) goal setting, and/or
d) repair to any physical damage.
When creating restitution plans, consider how to involve those who were affected by the student’s behavior.
When possible, align the restitution with the original infraction.
- (e.g.) If a student paints graffiti on the school walls, then he or she is responsible for cleaning it up or assisting the custodial staff.
Consequences that are logically related to the offense allow the student to establish a connection between his or her choices and the natural consequences of that behavior. Although there is no one correct way to use restitution, keeping in mind the central tenets of the intervention (accountability, reparation, and educative opportunities) allows you to remain flexible when addressing behavioral infractions to meet the need of each student and situation.
Ineffective restitution plans include consequences that:
- publicly humiliate,
- are unrelated to the problem behavior,
- are overly punitive, or
- do not teach a new skill.
The purpose of restitution in schools is to empower students by correcting wrongdoings and equipping them with the skills to avoid similar problem behaviors in the future. Using consequences such as writing words or phrases repeatedly on the chalkboard, causing the student embarrassment in front of others, or using punishment for the sake of punishment not only fail to meet the purpose of these practices, but also decrease student engagement and connection to school.
See below for some supporting documents to aid in your Restitution efforts!
