Restorative Justice Implementation Across 10 Schools in New York

• In Event: The Complexity of School Reform Implementation: Evidence From Broad-Scale Innovations

Abstract

Schools are implementing Restorative Justice (RJ) practices across the United States, to address the school-to-prison pipeline and improve school climate and student outcomes. While research on RJ is growing, most studies suffer from a poor evaluation design. This study utilized a randomized controlled trial and a strong research-practitioner partnership to examine the implementation and impact of RJ in ten high schools with high suspension rates. Mixed methods were used, including interviews with 125 school staff. The analysis draws on the transformative systems change framework to understand how RJ was implemented. We identified four major elements that influence implementation and outcomes: resources, policies, norms and decision-making processes/power. Findings have implications for education policy and practice, as well as research-practice partnerships.

Authors

• Lina Villegas

• Lama Hassoun Ayoub, Mathematica

• Andrew Martinez, Center for Court Innovation

• Elise Jensen, Center for Court Innovation