Discipline Over Punishment

Successes and Struggles with Restorative Justice in Schools

By (author) Trevor W. Gardner

Publication date:

23 August 2016

Length of book:

168 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

ISBN-13: 9781475822250

Discipline Over Punishment is an exploration of the transformative potential of restorative discipline practices in schools, ranging from the micro-level of one-on-one interactions with students to the macro-level of re-routing the school-to-prison pipeline and improving life outcomes for young people. Gardner, who continues to teach high school in Oakland, CA, has spent nearly 20 years innovating, struggling, and succeeding to implement various restorative justice practices in classrooms and schools around the Bay Area. Using classrooms and schools where he has taught and students, families and educators with whom he has worked, Gardner examines how restorative justice, as a set of beliefs and practices can be a force for justice and equity in our classrooms, schools, and beyond.
Discipline Over Punishment offers a timely antidote to the ubiquitous oppressive practices that have for far too long fueled the school to prison pipeline and limited the life possibility particularly for youth of color in US schools. Gardner invites the reader to consider portraits of teachers and students engaged in restorative practices that highlight the possibility of transformative discipline that supports and sustains teaching toward liberation and social change. Gardner offers real examples of inclusive discipline that lead to individual and community development for youth and adults alike and maintains the dignity of all stakeholders. This book is an important reminder for critical educators that the way we show up with youth, families, communities, and other adults in our buildings is central to catalyzing a healing process so desperately needed in US schooling.”