Research Brief

Building a Positive School Climate Through Restorative Practices

Parents and children seated in a circle having a serious discussion.
Sarah Klevan
October 2021 | Learning Policy Institute
Parents and children seated in a circle having a serious discussion.

Widespread efforts to curb exclusionary and discriminatory discipline in schools have led to a growing focus on restorative approaches, a set of practices aimed at building strong in-­school relationships and attachments, rather than pushing students out of school. This brief from the Learning Policy Institute reviews research illustrating the benefits of these practices for improving student behavior, decreasing the use of exclusionary discipline, and improving school climate.