Md. school districts using 'restorative justice' practices in discipline, parent org finds
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (CITC) — Public school districts across Maryland are using restorative justice practices in student discipline, sparking outrage with a parents' rights group.
Eight districts are included in a list of more than 200 analyzing where such practices are being used nationwide. The list, compiled by Parents Defending Education (PDE) and shared exclusively with Crisis in the Classroom (CITC), seeks to determine any connection between use of restorative practices and "the unprecedented behavioral chaos being seen in schools."
Restorative justice practices often focus on mediation over punishment. Schools which use related approaches typically urge students to resolve conflicts in groups and discourage frequent uses of suspension or expulsion.
In Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Anne Arundel County, Frederick County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Prince George's County and Washington County, school district officials have implemented policies and other forms of guidance outlining when restorative practices may be used, according to PDE's list. Some guidance explicitly designates which grade levels can undergo the practices, such as in Washington County Public Schools, where Regulation JK-R notes "participation in restorative practices" is an option for students in pre-K through second grade under certain scenarios.
However, other school districts have taken a more sweeping approach. In its "Student Well-being and School Safety" policy, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) says each of its schools should "strive to create a culture" which promotes, among other things, restorative practices. The policy also requires staff to "initiate a continuum" which "reflects a restorative discipline philosophy" consistent with other board guidance.
MCPS Communications Director Christopher Cram told CITC the district has found restorative practices to be "a good way to change behaviors for the positive," as well as to reduce repeat offenses. Washington County Public Schools Chief Communications Officer Erin Anderson told CITC the district's regulation aligns with state law by including "a relationship-focused model to address student misconduct when possible."
"These strategies include conflict resolution, mediation, peer mediation, Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS), etc." Anderson said. "In this case, all Maryland public schools should be included in the nationwide list you mention."
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Additionally, Anne Arundel County Public Schools has selected 16 middle and high schools to receive specialized training to "go restorative," according to its website. Baltimore City Public Schools says online a number of its schools have used restorative practices "for a few years," with the goal being for all of its schools to eventually make the shift.
Rhyen Staley, a researcher for PDE and a former teacher, raised concerns over one blanket method being used in districts with various backgrounds.
"To be honest, restorative practices might not be an overt negative in small districts," Staley told CITC. "But when you're talking urban districts with 30, 40, 50,000 students ... this is not making it better."
"There's always a 5-10% of students who just are not getting it," he continued. "And they're trying to apply this style of discipline to those kids."
A report published by the National Institutes of Health in 2022 says restorative justice practices are often used to "reduce racial disparities." However, it notes there is little evidence demonstrating how successful they are in addressing the root of such disparities.
CITC reached out to each of the above school districts for comment. This story will be updated as responses are received.
Have something for the Crisis in the Classroom team to investigate? Call or text the national tip line at 202-417-7273.