What Factors Contribute to a Commitment and Implementation of a more Restorative Approach to Discipline in Schools?

Source: (2005) Thesis for a Masters of Arts in Leadership and Training. Royal Roads University.

My action research project brought together various stakeholders in the school district with the purpose of exploring and investigating the questions: What factors contribute to a commitment and implementation of a more restorative approach to discipline in schools? My project defines restorative justice and explains why it is gaining momentum in many schools and districts across the province. The literature review will provide the reader with a thorough understanding about the underpinnings of RJ, in addition to the empirical research about RJ in school settings. The opportunity for my project complements the district’s social responsibility goal, which is to improve outcomes for students’ emotional and social development, as well as sustaining safe school environments. The conclusions from the study confirm the value of restorative justice as well as brining to the fore concerns and impeding factors toward its growth. (author’s abstract)