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 …
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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 …
Nov 16
Why restorative practices won’t work for bullying Part 1 of 2: Nov. 9 & 10/21
Listen on I-Tunes Circle Forum Join our guest this week,Barbara Coloroso, as we discuss where NOT to use restorative practices. We consider an excellent response to an in-class bullying situation. Part 2 continues the conversation with what is described as adult conflict when it’s really bullying, utter disregard for another human being. “It’s a short walk …
Nov 16
“If I would have known, I would have…” Nov. 2/21
Listen on I-Tunes Circle Forum Educators who know their students’ stories will understand the risk factors that can lead to student absenteeism. A trusted caring adult can make a difference in the lives of students. The lived experience of Indigenous students and their families impacts students’ behaviours and is important for educators to learn and to …
Nov 16
Canadian study shows substantial increase in extreme absenteeism during pandemic: Oct 26/21
Listen on I-Tunes Circle Forum Our guest this week is Dr. Kelly Gallagher-McKay who was a leading researcher in a study of 700,000 Toronto area school boards which showed extreme absenteeism, students missing over 50% of school days, increased 6 fold over the pandemic last school year. Dr. Gallagher-Mckay co-authored a longitudinal study which showed 3 …
Nov 16
Unsettling settlers: a lot to talk about and a lot to undo Parts 1 & 2 – Oct. 17/21
Listen on I-Tunes Circle Forum Our guest this week is Dr. Edward Valandra who encouraged us to keep challenging our thinking and perspectives in restorative practices. As white facilitators, we need to consider our cultural baggage before even entering a circle conversation and listen to the perspectives of participants who are black, indigenous and persons of …
Oct 16
Restorative leadership challenging in the pandemic: Podcast Oct. 12/21
Listen to the podcast now. Steve tells a compelling story about what it’s like in the pandemic when leadership is NOT firm or fair. Leaders who avoid conflict or confrontation risk harm to their staff and to their students. Restorative Practices suggestions:Build your relationships with your staff early. Listen to understand staff strengths from previous …