Academic benefits of restorative practice exposure are stronger for Black and Latino/a students than for White students, suggesting practices can reduce racial gaps¶

Claim · All claims
Evidence · 1 study · associational r2 · q2
Currency · newest study 2023 · not yet checked against its sources · not reviewed by a person

Subclaims¶

q2 i? A 1-unit increase in restorative practice exposure was associated with a 7-unit ELA score increase for White students versus a 17-unit increase for Black students. → Darling-Hammond 2023

Evidence¶

Darling-Hammond 2023¶

Darling-Hammond, S. (2023). Fostering belonging, transforming schools: The impact of restorative practices. Learning Policy Institute. https://doi.org/10.54300/169.703

q2 · i? · associational · r2

Same observational analysis of 485 middle schools; the report reports subgroup associations and concludes benefits were "slightly stronger for Latino/a students and substantially stronger for Black students," quoting the printed 7-unit and 17-unit ELA figures.

"a 1-unit increase in restorative practice exposure was associated with a 7-unit increase in English language arts scores for White students and a 17-unit increase for Black students."

Discussion¶

Learner Variables¶

• Race and Ethnicity — moderator: an instructional effect differs by group

Related Claims¶

• Shifting to restorative practices reduced exclusionary discipline and its racial disparities while improving climate and achievement — the general claim this finding bears on, with the studies behind it
• Restorative practices reduce exclusionary discipline and misbehavior and improve school climate, safety, and achievement, though implementation requires sustained investment — a broader claim this one bears on
• Student exposure to restorative practices improves standardized test performance and reduces suspension probability and duration — a broader claim this one bears on
• Prior-year heat exposure reduces learning, with about 3 times greater impact on Black and Hispanic/Latine students than White students — related
• Experts report reduced suspensions and expulsions and improved school climate as RJ implementation successes — related
• Denver Public Schools' restorative justice reforms coincided with falling suspension rates and a narrowed Black-White suspension gap — related