ADMINISTRATORS' GUIDE TO 
IMPLEMENTING RESTORATIVE PRACTICES

 Tuesday, September 7th - Restorative Practices: Alternatives To Suspension
 Wednesday, September 8th -  Synergizing Restorative Practices, PBIS & Traditional Consequences
8:30 am - 3:30 pm EDT (Both Days)
Sheration West Des Moines Hotel
1800 50th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50266
*****LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE*****

DES MOINES WORKSHOP OVERVIEW

One of the greatest challenges in education is that we approach deep-rooted problems with surface-level thinking which leads to surface-level solutions. It seems like every year there is something new that is supposed to be the answer to the challenging behaviors we face today. The only constant of these initiatives is that they're all flawed. If we're being honest, we also have to admit that they all have some good qualities too. What we've all come to understand is that there is no perfect solution that will solve the behavior challenges we face in schools today.
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During this two-day workshop, we work together to delve into these deep-rooted problems with an appropriate depth of thinking which should yield the solutions you need to address the behavior challenges on your campus. We encourage you to join us both days but feel free to only come to the day that fits your schedule and/or interest. Please take a moment to review the descriptions of the days below so you can learn what you should expect from attending each day of the workshop.

COST OF REGISTRATION

  • FULL REGISTRATION - EARLY BIRD Individual - $375 per person*
  • FULL REGISTRATION - GROUP RATE (2 or more) - $375 per person
  • FULL REGISTRATION - Individual - $450 per person
  • 1-DAY REGISTRATION - EARLY BIRD Individual - $195 per person*
  • 1-DAY REGISTRATION - GROUP RATE (2 or more) - $195 per person
  • 1-DAY REGISTRATION - Individual - $225 per person
* Early Bird Registration Ends Saturday, August 7th at 11:59 pm CDT.

DAY #1 - RESTORATIVE PRACTICES: ALTERNATIVES TO SUSPENSION

​The concept of Restorative Practices in schools is fairly new. There are challenges in the early stages of anything new, and Restorative Practices is no exception. The greatest challenge is refuting the idea that Restorative Practices should replace traditional consequences and punishment should be eliminated. Ideally, this makes sense, but realistically, it cannot work. There will always be a need for traditional consequences in schools because there will always be situations that require us to use strategies such as in-school or out-of-school suspension. The key word to remember here is strategies. Suspension is a strategy, not a solution, and a strategy is derived from an intended goal.

FOCUS #1: HIGHLY EFFECTIVE ACCOUNTABILITY
Although Restorative Practices is necessary, it can be just as flawed as traditional consequences if executed in isolation. Restorative Practices focuses on explicitly teaching behavior to students in an effort to change undesired behavior, whereas traditional consequences are used to punish for an inappropriate behavior when we believe students should have known that what they were doing was wrong. Our goal in both instances is accountability, and the path to accountability in schools can be achieved only by making restorative practices and traditional consequences work hand in hand.

FOCUS #2: ALTERNATIVES TO IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (ISS)
If we're being honest, in-school suspension has some benefits.  By and large, most students resent being assigned in-school suspension primarily because of the social isolation. Most administrators can corroborate this from firsthand experiences of students pleading for out of school suspension instead of in-school suspension. Many students would prefer to serve their punishment at home rather than being isolated from their peers at school. The greatest flaw of ISS is that you are removing the student from the learning environment and it is relatively impossible to replicate the learning environment you are removing the student from. We convince ourselves that we are still educating these students by providing them with work from their teachers and a staff member in the room, usually a paraprofessional, to "teach" students as needed. In reality, the overuse of ISS serves as a temporary solution that often compounds the underlying problem which eventually creates irreparable harm to the school. We have to find alternatives that extract the benefits of ISS but also compensates where ISS is deficient.

FOCUS #3: PARTNERING WITH PARENTS TO HOLD STUDENTS ACCOUNTABLE
One thing that almost everyone can agree on is parenting today is drastically different than it was years ago. Many educators believe parents of students today are responsible for why we are currently seeing such a widespread of adversarial behavior in schools. You can debate whether we have a parent problem or societal problem in our country but one thing that we do know is that pointing fingers or playing the blame game isn't going to solve this problem. In fact, one could argue that the lack of trust between schools and parents is the primary barrier preventing educators from getting a handle on this problem. Leveraging partnerships with parents is paramount if educators have any hope at finding solutions to the behavior problems in our schools today. This can only be accomplished if we can convince parents to partner with us to work together in the best interest of their child rather than act as their kids' defense attorneys as many parents currently do.

Day 1 of the workshop will provide participants with:
  • a Discipline Decision-Making Process that helps ensure decision makers are making thoughtful and thorough decisions when addressing students who need to be held accountable for their behavior.
  • a framework for creating Highly Effective Accountability that is designed to change the adverse behavior while maintaining the idea of some traditional consequences.
  • how in-school suspension can be modified to minimize the amount of time a student is removed from the learning environment by strategically working to change the underlying behaviors
  • specific alternatives to in-school suspension that can be effective in minimizing the need for traditional in-school suspension
  • how educators can partner with parents in the accountability process to change adverse behavior
  • specific interventions that seamlessly allow parents to be a part of the accountability process

​WHAT TO EXPECT

DAY #2 - SYNERGIZING RESTORATIVE PRACTICES, PBIS & TRADITIONAL CONSEQUENCES

A school can have all of the frameworks and strategies in the world but the key to the success of any initiative will always be implementation. Having the right plan and team to execute the plan is essential. This training is designed to provide participants with specific guidance and support to help campuses develop an implementation plan specific to the needs of their campus.

FOCUS #1: 3 MOST COMMON APPROACHES ​TO MANAGING BEHAVIOR IN SCHOOLS
Throughout my tenure in education, it seems like every year there is something new that is supposed to be the answer to the challenging behaviors we face today. The only constant of these initiatives is that they're all flawed. If we're being honest, we also have to admit that they all have some good qualities too. What we've all come to understand is that there is no perfect solution that will solve the behavior challenges we face in schools today. Restorative Practices, Social Emotional Learning and Positive Behaviors Interventions and Supports can all have a positive impact on the climate and culture of your campus. With all initiatives, there will always be deficiencies. One can look to any of these frameworks and determine that they alone will not meet the diverse needs of their campus.

FOCUS #2: DEFINING ROLES FOR A SUCCESSFUL ​RESTORATIVE PRACTICES INITIATIVE
When implementing any initiative, it's imperative that everyone understands their role. Restorative Practices is no exception but it presents an even greater challenge because most educators struggle with how to integrate Restorative Practices into the traditional structure of a school. Because of this, most people think that you must hire additional staff to even consider implementing Restorative Practices. I think everyone would agree that adding additional staff to support any new initiative is ideal and welcomed. But if you've been in education long enough, you know that you have a better chance of winning the pick three lottery than consistently getting staffing allocation that you need. Therefore, we have to make the best of the staffing we have and that requires being strategic and efficient. In order to be efficient, everyone must understand their roles and buy into the concept that the sum must be greater than the parts.

FOCUS #3: CREATING A RESTORATIVE PRACTICES IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
A school can have all of the frameworks and strategies in the world but the key to the success of any behavior initiative will always be implementation. When it comes to behavior initiatives, there are commonalities from school to school as to why they ended up failing. If you want to give yourself a chance at being successful in the future, you need to start with looking at your past. Why were some of your past initiatives successful and why did some your past initiatives fail? This is a question that everyone needs to ponder before they take on what could arguably be the most challenging behavior initiative ever. What makes implementing Restorative Practices so challenging is that you are challenging a mindset that has been in place for over 100 years. To complicate things even more, Restorative Practices has a branding problem. A lot of people believe that Restorative Practices means that you are going to let students do whatever they want with no accountability. Your version of Restorative Practices can and will hold students accountable by synergizing Restorative Practices with traditional consequences. This may be your intention but it needs to be communicated through your implementation plan. Having the right plan and team to execute that plan is essential.

Day 2 of the workshop will provide participants with:
  • how to develop a campus framework that will allow you to incorporate the key elements of Restorative Practices, Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) along with traditional consequences to improve the climate and culture of the school.
  • how to define each stakeholders' roles in order to have a successful Restorative Practices initiative
  • how to strategically provide leadership opportunities to all staff members to increase buy-in
  • specific guidance and support to help campuses develop an implementation plan specific to the needs of their campus
  • how to create a restorative practices implementation plan that ensures the fidelity of the initiative as well as creates buy-in with the majority of the campus' stakeholders

WHAT TO EXPECT

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

What's the cancellation/refund policy for this workshop?
If you are unable to attend and need to request a refund, you must submit your refund request in writing SEVEN (7) DAYS prior to the scheduled date of the workshop. Submit all refund requests to billing@leavingthevillage.com. If you submit your refund request within SEVEN (7) DAYS of the workshop, you can be provided with a credit that can be applied to any of our future workshops. 

Should I attend if I've already attended an Alternatives To Suspension and/or Guide To Implementing Restorative Practices virtual workshop series?
Almost all of the strategies and concepts presented in the three virtual workshop sessions in both series will be presented again during the in-person workshops. With that said, the in-person workshops provide a greater opportunity to give more context because all of the strategies are presented in a day versus over the course of three 90-minute sessions. The in-person workshops also provide an opportunity for hands-on learning activities that can't be duplicated virtually. The in-person workshop would be beneficial for those who have attended our virtual workshops but would like a refresher with some hands-on learning opportunities.
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Is this workshop beneficial for elementary educators?
Our virtual workshops are differentiated to meet the needs of all levels, K-12. With that said, Kelvin Oliver, the presenter, was a PK-6 campus administrator when he implemented Restorative Practices on a campus. His time as a campus administrator is where he developed many of the concepts that are presented during these workshops. While the focus will be on all grade levels, elementary educators will not walk away from this workshop feeling that it didn't apply to them.

Are these workshops only intended for administrators?
No, you don't have to be an administrator to attend these workshops. All educators that attend these workshops will find great benefit in these workshops.

Will I receive any supporting resources if I attend this workshop?
Yes! At the conclusion of the workshop, each registered participant will be mailed one complimentary cheat sheet resource for each day of the workshop they registered to attend. Each Cheat Sheet is strategically designed to support attendees of our workshops when they return back to their campus. If you register multiple participants for both days, you will receive the pair of complimentary cheat sheets for each paid registrant.

When should I expect to receive the supporting resources?
Participants who fulfill payment for their registration prior to the start of their scheduled workshop can expect their complimentary cheat sheets to be shipped to the shipping address provided at registration within two weeks after the conclusion of the workshop they attended. Participants who register using a purchase order as a promise of payment will need to fulfill the purchase order payment before their complimentary cheat sheets are shipped. Once the purchase order payment is fulfilled, participants can expect their complimentary cheat sheets to be shipped within two weeks of receipt of payment. 

Will lunch be provided either or both days?
We've allotted one hour and 15-minutes for workshop attendees to have lunch on their own. Because most attendees work on a campus with students, they are rarely afforded the opportunity to go to a restaurant for lunch. Our hope is that each attendee takes advantage of this unique opportunity to enjoy a sit-down lunch like most other working professionals are able to do. Throughout both days, beverages such as coffee, water and hot tea will be available to all participants. 

Will I be able to receive CEU hours if I attend this workshop?
Unfortunately, we can't guarantee that you will be able to receive continuing education units if you attend our workshops. We offer our workshops around the country and we are in the process of ensuring our attendees can earn credits in the future.

How can I contact the presenter if I have additional questions?
You can email us at info@leavingthevillage.com or call (301) 789-8407.

    DES MOINES WORKSHOP REGISTRANT FORM

    • If you're registering with a PURCHASE ORDER or CREDIT CARD and your organization IS TAX-EXEMPT, please complete the registration form below. Please note that you'll have to upload your purchase order or tax-exempt certificate before submitting the registration form.
    • If you are paying for your registration with a CREDIT CARD and your organization ISN'T TAX-EXEMPT, please CLICK HERE.
    Do You Need a W-9? CLICK HERE

    BILLING INFORMATION

    • The billing contact should be the person and/or department in your school, district or organization responsible for ensuring payments are processed. 
    • To ensure there aren't any delays in receiving your complimentary cheat sheet(s) or certificate of completion, please provide the contact information for your appropriate accounts payable personnel. 

    MAILING ADDRESS

    • As a token of our appreciation for you attending our workshop, we mail each registered participant one (1) complimentary cheat sheet for each day of the workshop you attend within two weeks after the workshop you're attending concludes.
    • Your complimentary cheat sheet(s) will be sent via USPS. You will receive an email with tracking information once they are shipped.
    • To ensure you receive your complimentary cheat sheet(s), please provide a valid mailing address below.
    • If your mailing address is the same as your billing address, please check the "Yes" box below.

    ADDITIONAL REGISTRANT(S)

    • If you're registering more than one participant, please add each additional participant below.
    • If you have more than 10 registrants, you'll have to submit an additional registration form.
    • You'll have to submit a new registration form for each increment of 10 participants. 
    • If all registrants are using the same purchase order, please upload the purchase order with each form.

    PAYMENT INFORMATION

    • Early Bird Registration Ends Saturday, August 7th at 11:59 pm CDT
    • All Registrations End Friday, September 3rd at 11:59 pm CDT
    FULL REGISTRATION includes:
    • Day 1 - Restorative Practices: Alternatives To Suspension AND Day 2 - Synergizing Restorative Practices, PBIS and Traditional Consequences
    • Two (2) Complimentary Cheat Sheet Resources*

    ​*At the conclusion of the workshop, two (2) complimentary cheat sheet resources will be mailed to you as a token of our appreciation. Our cheat sheet resources are strategically designed to support those that have attended our trainings and/or workshops. If you purchase multiple registrations, you will receive two (2) complimentary cheat sheet resources for each registration.
    ONE-DAY REGISTRATION includes:
    • Day 1 - Restorative Practices: Alternatives To Suspension OR Day 2 - Synergizing Restorative Practices, PBIS and Traditional Consequences
    • One (1) Complimentary Cheat Sheet Resource*

    ​*At the conclusion of the workshop, one (1) complimentary cheat sheet resource will be mailed to you as a token of our appreciation. Our cheat sheet resources are strategically designed to support those that have attended our trainings and/or workshops. If you purchase multiple registrations, you will receive one (1) complimentary cheat sheet resource for each registration.
    • If paying with a PURCHASE ORDER, your registration cannot be completed until we receive an official purchase order.
    • If paying with a CREDIT CARD and your organization IS TAX-EXEMPT, please upload your tax-exempt certificate below. 
    • If paying with a CREDIT CARD and your organization ISN'T TAX-EXEMPT, please Click Here.
    Max file size: 20MB
    REMITTANCE/MAILING ADDRESS:
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    ​Leaving The Village
    4938 Hampden Lane, #283
    Bethesda, MD 20814
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    EMAIL: 
    billing@leavingthevillage.com

    FAX:
    ​(469)716-4191

    ​WORKSHOP CANCELLATION POLICY

    To receive a full refund of any registration amounts paid, all registrations must be cancelled in writing a minimum of seven (7) calendar days prior to the commencement of the workshop.  Failure to cancel a registration at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the commencement of a workshop shall result in the registrant not receiving a refund of any amounts paid to date and the registrant being required to fulfill its purchase order.

    ​If the registrant requests cancellation of any registration ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 31, 2021 (which is at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the start of the workshop), registrant will be refunded any amounts previously paid and/or its purchase order will be voided.  If a registrant requests cancellation of a registration AFTER AUGUST 31, 2021, (which is less than seven (7) calendar days prior to the start of the workshop), registrant will not be refunded any amounts previously paid and registrant shall complete payment of any outstanding purchase order.

    Right to Receive Account Credit In The Event of Cancellation Less Than Seven Days Before Workshop:  Should registrant cancel less than seven (7) calendar days prior to the start of the workshop, outstanding purchase order payments must be fulfilled and no refund shall be paid.  However, registrant shall receive an account credit for the full amount of any payments made that can only be used towards the cost of registration of a future Leaving The Village LLC workshop.

    Effect of A Purchase Order: A purchase order only guarantees a registrant will be allowed workshop registration, and not that the registrant will immediately receive any complimentary resources or certificate of workshop completion upon conclusion of the workshop.  Leaving The Village LLC reserves the right to withhold any complimentary resources or certificates of workshop completion until it receives all payments due, including until a pending purchase order payment is satisfied.​
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    Submit all written cancellation requests to billing@leavingthevillage.com.​
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    IN-PERSON WORKSHOP COVID-19 GUIDELINES

    The health and safety of the attendees and participants at of our in-person workshops is of the utmost importance.  Research shows that the wearing of cloth face coverings and practicing social distancing, along with hand washing, slows the spread of COVID-19.  Therefore, for the health and safety of attendees and participants at our in-person workshops, and following guidance from the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) and other government agencies, Leaving The Village LLC is requiring that as a condition for attendance and/or participation in our in-person workshops, all persons shall wear approved face coverings that completely cover the nose and mouth and shall engage in social distancing of a minimum of six feet (6’) apart whenever and wherever possible. 
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    All attendees and participants are required to adhere to CDC recommended guidelines regarding and relating to the wearing of approved face coverings over the nose and mouth, practicing social distancing, and as to the conditions for indoor gatherings.  In addition, even if you have received the full dose of a COVID-19 vaccination (i.e., two shots for a two shot dose vaccine such as Pfizer or Moderna or one shot for a one shot dose vaccine such as Johnson & Johnson), while in attendance at an in-person workshop you are nevertheless required to wear an approved face covering over your nose and mouth, practice social distancing, and follow all requirements for indoor gatherings.  The only exception to the requirement of wearing a face covering is while eating or drinking.

    BE CONSCIOUS that Leaving The Village LLC specifically reserves the right to require all attendees and participants to wear an approved face covering over the nose and mouth and to practice social distancing while attending an in-person workshop notwithstanding any state or local executive order, law, or ordinance, or meeting venue policy to the contrary.​

    Leaving The Village LLC, in its sole discretion, shall enforce these In-Person Workshop COVID-19 Guidelines against violation by any attendee or participant by taking any appropriate action, including but not limited to, refusal to issue admission credentials, denial or refusal of admission or reentry, denial or refusal to allow participation in any in-person workshop session, and/or contacting law enforcement, or any combination thereof.  If any person is denied entry or removed from an in-person workshop session for failure to adhere to these In-Person Workshop COVID-19 Guidelines, that person will not be entitled to nor receive a refund of any amount(s) previously paid, and they shall nevertheless be required to fulfill and complete their purchase order payment.
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