Author's posts
Apr 05
“Your silence won’t protect you” April 5/22
Listen on I-Tunes Circle Forum The title is a quote from Barbara Sherrod, one of the contributors to the book Colorizing Restorative Justice: Voicing our Realities. Sherrod’s writing prompted us to talk more about what it’s going to take to change the narrative of stories like “these parents don’t care” when referring to black or indigenous families. …
Jan 17
Student engagement: what are the structures that inhibit or enhance in district, school, classroom? Season 3 focus Jan4/22
Listen on I-Tunes Circle Forum A new year and a new season of Circle Forum starts with our guest, Amina Abdulle , teacher consultant for equity and Co-Founder:Black Staff Equity Alliance with the Greater Essex County District School Board in Ontario. This season’s focus will be on structures that enhance or inhibit student engagement in our …
Jan 17
Good intentions can have a harmful impact so listen first when confronted Jan 11/21
Listen on I-Tunes Circle Forum Know your students and let them know you care. Sound advice whether it in-person or remote learning according to our guest this week, Cathy Abrahams, President of the Ontario Public School Board Association and Trustee with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. Language matters and can inhibit student engagement. Cathy …
Jan 17
Changing the structure of conversations engages parents, even the frustrated ones! Jan 17/22
Listen on I-Tunes Circle Forum In these traumatic and pandemic times, there are many conversations to be had with frustrated parents. How school leaders structure the conversations can make all the difference. A restorative mindset allows leaders and school staff to prepare for the inevitable difficult conversations with parents, ask non-blaming questions during the conversation and …
Dec 16
3 key predictors of secondary completion apparent in elementary data, Canadian study shows – Dec.21/21
Listen on I-Tunes Circle Forum Our guest this week is Robert Brown, a researcher on the Canadian study Redefining Risk: Human rights and elementary school factors predicting post-secondary access. Look for these risk indicators early:A single year of elementary education with 10% absenteeism rate or higher. A suspension for an elementary student Attending an aggregated special needs …
Dec 16
Connect the dots on absenteeism and ask what else is going on Dec. 14/21
Listen on I-Tunes Circle Forum Risk factors can predict concerns with chronic absenteeism. Educators can connect the dots between risk factors like mobility, history of absenteeism, student behaviours, declining student achievement or health. Noticing a change is one thing. Acting on it by telling someone else is another. Restorative suggestions: Know that there are many little …
Dec 16
Trusted, caring adult is a protective factor for student attendance – Dec. 7/21
Listen on I-Tunes Circle Forum Taking a strengths-based approach, individual educators can make a difference in the lives of students at risk of chronic absenteeism. There are so many protective factors that educators can control and influence in order to improve student attendance and engagement. Restorative suggestions:Reflect on your practice regularly using the restorative questions. Adults …
Dec 01
Build students’ engagement and connection by knowing their names and saying “Hi” Nov. 30/21
Listen on I-Tunes Circle Forum Our guest this week is Nathan Ngieng, Assistant Superintendent of Abbotsford School District in British Columbia. Heading into the pandemic, the leadership decided to make student health and well-being a priority along with staff health and well-being. That vision helped to create safe spaces and hold space for belonging and connection. Restorative suggestions:Take …
Dec 01
Classroom connections of Treaties of Peace and Friendship, French and Restorative Practices – Nov. 23/21
Listen on I-Tunes Circle Forum Our guest this week is Jared Baker, a grade 5/6 French Immersion teacher, who talks about his daily practice. He has some great stories to share about how circles work in his classroom in French. Jared makes some excellent connections between restorative practices, Treaties of Peace and Friendship and setting up …
Dec 01
Indigenous treaties through the lens of Fair Process -Nov. 16/21
Listen on I-Tunes Circle Forum Fair process requires three E’s – Engagement, Explanation and Expectation clarity. Looking back on the process of indigenous land treaties, the fair process did not happen. It’s important to educate ourselves in order to have a better understanding of the treaties. Expectation clarity helps us move into actions of reconciliation in …