Which elements constitute effective restorative practices in addressing behavior and discipline?

• A. Rely solely on suspensions.
• B. Emphasize relationship-building, fair process, alternatives to suspension, and data-tracking of outcomes.
• C. Ignore student input.
• D. Avoid any data tracking.

Answer: (B)

Restorative practices are about repairing harm and keeping students engaged in learning while taking responsibility for their actions. The best approach emphasizes building positive relationships, ensuring a fair process that gives students a voice, offering meaningful alternatives to suspension, and using data to track outcomes. This combination helps address the underlying causes of behavior, supports accountability, and shows what works across students and goals. Relying only on suspensions misses the opportunity to heal and learn from mistakes; ignoring student input undermines buy-in and fairness; and avoiding data tracking makes it hard to know whether the strategies are effective or equitable.