Restorative Discipline Practices in Texas

Restorative Discipline Practices (RDP) in Texas began in the Fall of 2015. The Texas Education Agency partnered with the Institute for Restorative Justice and Restorative Dialogue at The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work to participate in a statewide roll out.

A grant provided training to ten of the twenty education service centers and school districts in Texas. The first ten service centers were selected based on the number of African American males that were suspended from the school districts in their regions. The training occurred in two parts. The first part included a two-day administrator readiness training, the second part a five-day coordinator training. The remaining ten regional service centers will receive the same training.

The goal is to plant the restorative discipline practices seeds across Texas. 1,400 administrators and 400 coordinators obtained training as of the fall 2016.

Video Resources

Training Resources and Lesson Plans

Introductory Training

An introductory training in the basic principles, values, and processes of Restorative Discipline Practices and interventions in school settings is necessary to build community. The training prepares you for responding to challenging behavior through open dialogue, coming to an understanding, and in identifying opportunities to set things right.

• Training Resources and RDP Training Dates

Sample Lesson Plan

After you have attended training for Restorative Discipline Practices and have an understanding of the circle process and how to facilitate circles, this sample lesson plan will assist you as begin to experience circles in your classroom with your students.

• Sample Lesson Plan

Promoting Positive Restorative Relationships at Home

Here are some sample lessons for parents to use when implementing Restorative Discipline practices at home and integrating them into home learning.

Additional Resources