Class Calendar Length
Year Long
Grade Levels
11, 12
Prerequisites
None
Seats Available
15
Class Schedule
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri from 1:30 to 2:30 pm
Course Summary
Join a growing movement of people working to transform how schools and our society handle conflict and build community. This course introduces you to the philosophy of Restorative Justice, an approach that prioritizes communication and healing over punishment. You will investigate the social factors that influence school discipline and learn how restorative practices can create more supportive and inclusive environments. Moving beyond theory, you will lead a research project to propose real-world restorative practices for your own school, helping to build a fair and supportive educational community for all.
Key Outcomes
- Analyze systemic biases within traditional disciplinary models and within the U.S. criminal justice system.
- Learn how to facilitate restorative circles, conversations, and processes.
- Research, design and present a school-wide plan for becoming more restorative.
Mass. State Standards
- RI.11-12.1-2: Reading Informational Text (Citing textual evidence and determining central ideas)
- W.11-12.1-2: Writing (Writing arguments and informative/explanatory texts)
About the Instructor
Jess Madden-Fuoco is a dedicated educator at Greater Egleston High School who has been teaching and leading since 1997. She holds a BA in History and a BS in Secondary Education from Boston University, as well as an MA in the Teaching of Social Studies from Teachers College, Columbia University; an MEd in Educational Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University; and a PhD in Education from Lesley University. With 29 years of experience as teacher, an assistant school leader, and instructional coach, Jess recently completed her doctoral research on what it means to become restorative and what professional learning supports educators in becoming more restorative. She is a passionate advocate for school equity and instructional innovation, and she is committed to helping students and staff grow. Jess lives in Boston with her partner Bill and their two daughters.