The Transformation of West Philly High School
Point that stuck out: "The Circle" activity = climate and attitude change which caused a significant decrease (52% and the following year an additional 45%) in violence and disagreements among students. They had a voice.
Question: How did instructors fit this in with their time consuming schedules?
Question: Does “The Circle” provide the necessary social skills students need?
Restorative Justice: elementary
Point that stuck out: Traditional vs. Restorative (rather than directly punishing, we look for the "harm and the heal").
Question: How much harder would an instructor have to work with children that internalized "home" problems and then brought them to school?
Question: What if teachers could not extract that vital information which caused a student to "harm" another student, initially harming the student that inflicts the pain? Vicious cycle that much?
From Hostility to Harmony
Point that stuck: Reparation of relationships through discussing feelings (harm vs. heal); an "adult" approach where students make an impact on other students.
Question: What would happen if the circle discussion turned to violence--if the situation could not reach an agreement?
Question: Is this conducive for all students, or students that handle situations more maturely (loose terminology so use it how you will)?
Christina,
ReplyDeleteI liked your emphasis on students having a "voice." I think that is an ongoing issue, especially in high schools, students feel that they are easily dismissed. The circle method helped reiterate that everyone has feeling and problems that need significant attention to repairing relationships that may be destroyed by harming the students personal beliefs. About the question of extracting vital information for repairing harm, I feel the same way about that. Elementary students are not always going to tell the truth or be able to explain how they feel about putting harm on others. I liked how you questioned each video for a deeper understanding. This is still a new approach and many questions are to be asked. Great Job!
Would like to have seen more on the hostility to harmony video from the girl in the mcdonalds uniform she seemed to be the outcast and a lot of attention was being pointed her way as if she were an outsider. Discussion of feelings is not an easy topic either. It's way too personal for most.
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