The Dim Bulb

The Occasional Musings of an Educator

by Michael Keany

#22 - October 27, 2023

The brain is capable of performing 10 quadrillion (that’s 10 to the 16th) “calculations,” or synaptic events, per second using only about 15 watts of power. At this rate, a computer as powerful as the human brain would require 1 gigawatt of power. Maybe a dim bulb isn't really as dim as it seems.

The photo above is the   Livermore Centennial bulb, the world's longest-burning electric bulb. 

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Implementing restorative justice practices in a high school involves a carefully structured process that focuses on repairing harm and fostering a positive school environment. Here's an outline of the steps, but please note that I can't provide specific references as I don't have direct access to databases. I recommend consulting restorative justice organizations, education journals, and experts for specific research-backed references.

1. Assess the School's Needs:

• Conduct a thorough assessment of the school's current discipline practices, climate, and areas of concern.
• Review research on the impact of punitive vs. restorative disciplinary approaches (e.g., "The School Discipline Consensus Report" by the Council of State Governments).

2. Build a Restorative Justice Team:

• Form a team of educators, administrators, counselors, and community members.
• Provide training on restorative justice principles and practices.
• Explore resources from organizations like the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP).

3. Policy Development and Implementation:

• Develop clear restorative justice policies and procedures.
• Align these policies with existing school discipline policies.
• Review research on effective restorative justice policy development in schools.

4. Training and Capacity Building:

• Provide comprehensive training for all staff members on restorative practices.
• Training can include conflict resolution, communication, and circle facilitation.
• Research programs and training materials from organizations like the Center for Restorative Justice & Peacemaking.

5. Communication and Education:

• Educate students, parents, and the community about restorative justice principles.
• Share the benefits and goals of implementing restorative practices.
• Reference research on communication strategies for introducing restorative justice to stakeholders.

6. Restorative Circles and Conferencing:

• Implement restorative circles for proactive community building.
• Use conferences to address specific incidents and conflicts.
• Research restorative circle and conference facilitation techniques (e.g., books by Kay Pranis).

7. Data Collection and Evaluation:

• Collect data on the impact of restorative justice practices.
• Analyze changes in discipline referrals, school climate, and student outcomes.
• Reference research on data collection methods for restorative justice programs in schools.

8. Continuous Improvement:

• Continuously assess and adjust the restorative justice program based on data and feedback.
• Stay updated on the latest research and best practices in restorative justice.

9. Community Partnerships:

• Collaborate with local organizations and restorative justice experts for support and resources.
• Engage in restorative justice community-building activities.
• Explore research on successful community partnerships in restorative justice programs.

10. Sustainability:

• Ensure that restorative justice practices become a sustainable part of the school culture.
• Promote the long-term integration of restorative practices in school policies and procedures.

For specific references, consider consulting educational journals, publications from organizations like the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP), and research papers on restorative justice in educational settings. It's essential to stay informed about the latest research and best practices in restorative justice as you implement these practices in a high school.

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