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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 20, 2023 11:09 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Manuel Guzman, Jr. |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Implementing Restorative Practices in Schools |
| Since students have returned to in-person learning after many of them were learning from home for a period of time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reports of violence in schools have increased, with teachers voicing serious concerns about the safety of their students and themselves. To address this issue, some schools – including in Pennsylvania – have begun implementing restorative practices, which are strategies used to proactively build relationships and community and manage conflict and tensions in ways that treat individuals with respect and dignity. In schools, restorative practices help children learn from their mistakes, understand the impact their actions have, and grow personally in their ability to problem solve and make productive decisions. Examples of restorative practices in schools include using affective statements, community building circles, small impromptu conferencing, and setting classroom agreements. Teachers at schools utilizing restorative practices reported more positive outcomes than they experienced using past discipline styles, especially when it came to changed behavior. We need to approach the issue of school safety in a new way, which is why I am introducing legislation that would implement restorative practices regarding student discipline in school districts. Inspired by a law in our neighboring state of Maryland, this legislation would bring all of our school districts in line with practicing this approach to ensure that all students in Pennsylvania would have access to this important tool. Focusing on positive connections, repairing harm, and having support leads to a positive school community. It is important that we ensure that all of our schools provide positive environments for their students and ensure that all children, especially those struggling, have a supportive school environment where they feel comfortable to share their ideas with their peers and teachers. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation. |
Introduced as HB845