In the Ladson-Billings article, they explain their main points for how we can culturally sustain pedagogy and how that provides opportunity and new methodology for learning by giving educators the tools to better understand culture and enhance teaching experiences. In the Winn article, it is argued that English classes can be a gateway into creating space to explore and seek justice outside of the classroom, incorporating it to communities. In the video with Buechley, they explained how companies aim and include upperclass white men while women, people of color, lower socioeconomic classes, and other minority groups are overlooked for the same things. They said to instead show a diverse group of people doing the same things so that it can be accepted that everyone is truly capable, which they are. In the “Can Restorative Justice Save the Internet” podcast, they explored the ways restorative justice would be like a preventative measure, helping to lower cyberbullying and incarceration.
The after school program I have the pleasure of working at actually implements restorative practices. It is our first year doing it and it has greatly improved. Last year, we had a strict 3 strike policy in place and it was very easy for kids who didn’t want to be in the program to just act out and then get kicked out. Now, when we notice a pattern of more negative behaviors, we have a conference with the student and the parents. In addition, the 3 strikes are not as strict since the coordinator can now decide if the student should help beautify the school, help a different grade, or other more positive consequences.
How can we get more of the current teacher population to incorporate this?
Alicia's Blog 