Transforming Discipline:
Building Community Through Restorative Practices
November 28-30, 2007
Sheraton South Portland Hotel
363 Maine Mall Road
South Portland, ME
Join us for Maine’s first comprehensive look at Restorative Justice in schools! This two and one-half day conference will introduce educators to restorative practices in school discipline and school climate change. Restorative rather than punitive approaches deal more effectively with student misbehavior by encouraging students to take responsibility for their actions and find ways to “make things right” with those they have harmed. Restorative discipline empowers students to be accountable for their actions in a school environment that is caring and responsive.
Restorative practices are proving successful in schools across the country and in Maine. Within a whole school approach, these practices build caring school communities that support students, staff and administrators in feeling connected and respected, which enhances learning outcomes. Restorative practices create safe schools where all members of the community are accountable for their actions, resolve conflicts, create positive relationships, and build an inclusive, respectful school culture.
Belinda Hopkins, Ph.D.
Author of Just Schools
Belinda has pioneered restorative practices in schools in the UK and beyond for the last 12 years.
Judy Mullet
Eastern Menonite University
Co-author of The Little Book of Restorative Discipline for Schools
The conference is sponsored by the the Peace Studies Program at the University of Maine; Maine Law & Civics Education at the University of Maine School of Law; and The Restorative Justice Project of the Midcoast. Financial support is provided by the Maine Injury Prevention Program, Maine CDC, Maine Department of Health & Human Services.