Student Accountability Matters: Rethinking Restorative Justice Practices in Schools

Send us Fan MailIf you're feeling fed up with the lack of student accountability, chaos in the classroom, and lack of admin support, then this episode is for you. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Justin Baeder PhD- the incredible voice of reason taking over TikTok for exhausted teachers everywhere.School leaders - you MUST listen!Teachers - you will feel so seen and validated!Topics we cover in this episode:✨ The Hot Mess of Restorative PracticesThe well-intentioned but disastrous move to remove student consequences and redefine failure as successTales of students returning to class with candy bars after outrageous behavior How this approach stole all accountability and enabled chaos✨ Dismantling the "Load Bearing Wall" of Progressive DisciplineThe invisible backbone that kept classroom management functional has been decimatedCreating predictable consequences is key for a safe, calm learning environmentWithout it, the message is "you can aft how you want without consequences"✨ The Role of Ideological, Agenda-Driven "Research"Most discipline studies are "absolute garbage" with massive logical holesThe unfounded claims that avoiding discipline improves student outcomesHow quality research got hijacked by fads and alternative discipline camps✨ Getting Back to Basics with Firm BoundariesRewind 10-15 years to the old-school wisdom that still worked: high standards, counseling, engaged lessons, fair consequencesPrioritize creating a viable learning environment above all else"We've gone off the rails by making other goals the primary objective"✨ What Effective Leadership Really Looks LikeIt's not just subject matter expertise - wisdom and backbone are crucialHaving experience in a highly functional organization to model healthy leadershipKeeping the main thing (learning) the main thing through the boring basics✨ Why PBIS program research was solid, but it's being implemented incorrectlyJustin's advice? Fix the foundational pieces like progressive discipline first. Then build your creativity and innovation on that solid base - not the other way around. Regain that empowered stance as an educator by reestablishing firm boundaries and consistent accountability... and so much more!For comprehensive FREE evidence-based resources on PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLE go to:https://www.principalcenter.com/pd/ ➡️ To get your FREE 🎁 PDF Guide The Professional Teacher's Guide to Saying "No" visit: www.gracestevens.com/saynoWant to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?   Check out my signature on-demand self-study course, Balance Your Teacher Life.  Complete details here: www.gracestevens.com/balance📘 My latest (and greatest!) book:The Empowered Teacher ToolkitCheck out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book hereMy TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/grace-stevens-happy-classroomsWanna get social?https://www.tiktok.com/@gracestevensteacherhttps://www.facebook.com/GraceStevensTeacherhttps://www.Instagram.com/gracestevensteacher Old school: Website : www.GraceStevens.com (courses, blog & freebies!)