In the summer of 2015, nearly half of the faculty at Randolph Union opted into a three-day circle training in preparation for a deeper school-wide commitment to Advisory. Since that time, training has been ongoing, circles are part of classroom culture, and teachers regularly take part in circles during faculty meeting time. All of this seemingly simple circle work strengthens community and connects to the traditional classroom as well as restorative justice interventions. It has led to better student outcomes, including increased attendance and graduation rates, as well as student engagement in classes. In this interactive workshop, participants will hear from faculty and students engaged in this school reform work.
Participants will leave this workshop with an understanding of how circle practice in advisory, restorative justice, and in classrooms is an important ingredient of a trauma-informed approach to school design, giving voice to community members that traditional school structures might silence.
