Alternatives to Suspension: Restorative Chat
The purpose of the restorative chat, much like other restorative practices, is to help the student understand the harm done by their actions and to allow them an opportunity to repair this harm. Engaging in a brief conversation with the student allows the student to reflect on what occurred, problem solve the situation, and understand what appropriate future actions (including support from adults) are necessary.
Restorative Questions
1. What were you thinking at the time? Provides an opportunity to understand the student’s intent and provide insight into the student’s level of social and emotional development.
2. What do you think about it now? Provides the opportunity for the student to reflect back on his or her actions when calm and take responsibility for them.
3. Who did this affect? Provides an opportunity for the student to demonstrate accountability and articulate an understanding of how his or her actions affect other people.
4. What do you need to do about it? Provides the student with the chance to explore ways in
which the situation can be rectified. It also presents an opportunity for the student to take an
active role in correcting the wrongdoing. The response can provide a natural segue into a
restitution plan.
5. How can we make sure this doesn’t happen again? Gives the student an opportunity to reflect on the support and skills he or she needs for future success. Provides a natural segue into behavior skills coaching.
6. What can I do to help you? Allows the student to recruit the help that he or she needs to be
successful. Provides an opportunity for relationship building and an understanding that the
student has support in making reparations.
If the student does not want to answer questions or accept responsibility for his or her actions, the administrator may choose to switch to closed questions such as, “Was what you did fair or unfair?” or “Was your choice a good one or a poor one?” If the student responds to these questions, administrators can follow up with open-ended questions like, “Can you tell me how?” to further engage the student.
The restorative chat can be adapted to meet the needs of those involved. It can be used for peer-to-peer and peer-to-staff conflicts, but it is important to determine beforehand if the parties involved would benefit from meeting face-to-face. The most appropriate and efficient approach for minor infractions may be to discuss the situation with the student individually and develop a plan for transition and reintegration to the classroom. It is important to keep in mind that the focus of the chat should be instructive, with an aim to help the student recognize socially appropriate alternative responses to use in the future.
See below for some supporting documents to aid in your Restorative Chat efforts!
