In recent years, the use of restorative practices in schools has grown rapidly. Restorative practices are designed to proactively build community, improve relationships, and help students amend harm when conflict occurs. A literature review of 34 studies1 conducted in seven countries, including 23 studies from the United States, found that restorative practices improve school climate and safety, improve student well-being, and promote positive conflict management. These studies also found that schools that increased use of restorative practices saw a decrease in schoolwide misbehavior, bullying, substance abuse, disparity, and student mental health challenges. Recognizing the benefit of evidence-based approaches to improve school climate and culture, Education Code Section 49055 mandated that the California Department of Education (CDE) develop evidence-based best practices for restorative practices. The best practices for restorative practices developed by the CDE are posted on the CDE’s website at https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ss/se/restorativepractices.asp.
