Restorative Practices

Developing community and managing conflict by repairing harm and building relationships.

At Spokane Public Schools, we strive to create a safe and supportive learning environment for all students and staff. We want all SPS families to feel connected to their schools and to feel understood, heard and respected. Conflicts are a part of daily life and making mistakes is a part of growing and learning. With this in mind, SPS embraces a restorative approach to conflict, meaning that we see conflicts and harmful behavior as an opportunity for students and staff to:

  • Learn about themselves and each other

  • Take accountability

  • Develop empathy

  • Repair harm and restore relationships

  • Identify supports that meet the individual for each of our students.

Need Help Resolving a Conflict?

Conflicts are a part of daily life and oftentimes the people involved can resolve them on their own. Sometimes, though, it is helpful to have a neutral person facilitate a restorative conflict resolution process. This process helps ensure that everyone feels heard, respected, and safe, and that the process is fair and that the outcome meets everyone’s needs.

If you are a student, parent, or staff member and would like help resolving a conflict, please contact Email Erin Lipsker by email or at 509.354.7242.

Trainings

Frequently-offered trainings include:

  • Circles for Building Community and Responding to Conflict

  • Mediation for Restorative Conflict Resolution

  • Restorative Processes for Repairing Harm

These all can be tailored to fit the specific needs of your group. Contact Erin Lipsker at Email Erin Lipsker to schedule.

Contact

Erin Lipsker
Email Erin Lipsker
509-354-7242

Resources for Schools

Foundations of Restorative Practices

The SPS Board of Directors adopted Policy 3240 in 2016 as a way to promote positive behaviors and school success. Learn more:

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

Tier 2: Strategies used to resolve conflicts

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

Restorative Teaching Tools Book Cover

Race and Restorative Justice Book Cover

Getting More Out of Restorative Practice in School Book Cover

Hacking School of Discipline Book Cover

Lost at School Book Cover

Building a Trauma-Informed Restorative School Book Cover

The Restorative Practice in School Book Cover

Circle in the Square Book Cover

Restorative Circles in Schools Book Cover

Better than Carrots or Sticks Book Cover

Just Schools Book Cover

Little Book of Restorative Discipline for Schools Book Cover