Resources for Schools

Tier 1: Strategies used with all students to build a strong community

Restorative Communication (Affective Statements and Restorative Questions)

  • Description: When conflicts happen, using restorative communication can help build safe and strong relationships.
    • “Affective Statements” model ways of expressing needs based on how a person’s behavior affects others.
    • “Restorative Questions” are helpful for adults to understand the student’s needs and to help the student problem-solve.
  • Handout: Restorative Communication

Classroom Circles

Tier 2: Strategies used to resolve conflicts

Rupture – Repair: Resolving Student-Teacher Conflicts

  • Description: There are times when students get upset and teachers get frustrated and there is a rupture in the relationship.  It is important to ensure that both the student and teacher have the support they need to first calm down after the conflict.  Once everyone is calm, the teacher can initiate a conversation that allows the student to share their perspective, explain what they need, and understand the impact the incident/behavior had on others. Together, the student and teacher can then make an agreement for how they can repair their relationship and avoid the conflict in the future. 
  • Handout: Rupture-Repair Overview
  • Video: The Impact of Trauma on the Brain
  • Video: Under the Surface, Empathy

Facilitated Dialogue to Resolve Conflict (Mediation)

  • Description: A facilitated dialogue to resolve conflict, sometimes referred to as a mediation, can be an effective strategy when the people involved in the conflict each have roles and responsibilities in its resolution.  The facilitator must be neutral and the participants must be willing to listen with an open-mind, to share honestly, and to work together towards an agreement that repairs harm and resolves the conflict.  The facilitator uses clarifying questions to help participants identify needs and explore options for mutual gain. 
  • Handout: Sample Participant Guidelines
  • Handout: Steps to a Facilitated Dialogue to Resolve Conflict
  • Handout: Agreement Template
  • Powerpoint: Facilitated Conflict Resolution

Tier 3: A strategy used to repair harm & reconnect students

Formal Restorative Conferences

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