The Effects of Restorative Practices on Student Behavior and School Climate: A Case Study

Authors

• Victoria Smith, M.A.T., University of North GeorgiaFollow
• Donna Governor, Ph.D, University of North GeorgiaFollow
• Carlise Womack-Wynne, Ed.D, University of North GeorgiaFollow

Abstract

Schools have been seeking alternatives to punitive discipline measures. As an alternative, restorative practices offer healing, community, and relationships. This case study examined a middle school that had been implementing restorative practices since the 2019–2020 school year, three full years at the time of study. A mixed-methods design was used in order to investigate whether the implementation of restorative practices had resulted in a decrease of student misbehaviors and an increase in staff perceptions of school climate. Staff were interviewed (n = 19) and surveyed (n = 44). A thematic analysis was conducted on the interview data, and archival behavior data were also analyzed. The research yielded positive results showing that the selected behavior variables had seen an overall decrease, and the themes and survey data showed staff perceptions of school climate, student behavior, and restorative practices were also positive. As RP continues to gain momentum, the results of this study point to the need for additional long-term research.

Author Bio

Victoria Smith earned an M.A.T. in Middle Grades Education from the University of North Georgia in 2023. She currently teaches seventh and eighth grade special education and has professional interests in education, English, and history. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. and lives with her family outside Springfield, Missouri.

Recommended Citation

Smith,, Victoria M.A.T.; Governor,, Donna Ph.D; and Womack-Wynne,, Carlise Ed.D (2026) "The Effects of Restorative Practices on Student Behavior and School Climate: A Case Study," Current Issues in Middle Level Education: Vol. 29: Iss. 2, Article 4.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/cimle/vol29/iss2/4