Most frequent questions and answers
States across the nation are recognizing the importance of social/emotional health and aptitude in addition to academic achievement, with discipline a growing concern in school systems.
Restorative Practices are based on principles emphasizing the importance of positive relationships in building community and involve processes to restore relationships after harm has occurred.
Guiding values/principles of Restorative Practice and Discipline:
- Relationships are central to building community
- Address misbehavior and harm in a way that strengthens relationships
- Focus on harm done rather than solely rule-breaking
- Give voice to the person harmed
- Engage in collaborative problem-solving
- Empower change and growth
- Enhance responsibility in students and education stakeholders
According to the US Department of Health & Human Services, 1 in 3 students report being bullied at school. Bullying is a direct result of discrimination and prejudice, and can be decreased significantly with direct teaching and mentoring programs for all stakeholders.
US² consultants work directly with your school and district to create a program specific to your needs. After our program, schools have seen a significant decrease in bullying rates, as well as increased student empathy and teacher effectiveness addressing bullying behaviors.
Our students deserve to be taught about themselves as well as others and to be given an honest depiction of their history. Without this honesty (and knowledge on the part of the teacher), our students are taught that some histories/stories are insignificant. By teaching to ALL students, we are encouraging the growth of ALL students. At US2, we perform audits of current curriculum and teaching practices to develop a clear external picture and share those results in order to craft a plan moving forward in a culturally responsive manner.
By addressing the Whole Child and focusing on all components of education (Social, Emotional, and Academic), a stronger sense of belonging emerges. If we provide a Challenging, Healthy, Engaging, Safe, and Supportive environment that is Sustained, we will promote future success (measured by graduation rates, increase in attendance, and a decrease of referrals/suspensions). With 82.3% being the overall graduation rate in 2013/14, our most under-served groups are still well below (English Learners at 62.6%, Blacks at 72.5%, and Low-Income at 74.6%) according to the DoEs National Center for Education Statistics.