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Zero-Tolerance Experts
Dr. Catherine Augustine, Ph.D.
Director of the RAND Pittsburg Officer, Senior Policy Researcher
The RAND Corporation is an international research organization that develops solutions to public policy
Dr. Augustine discusses restorative practices, relationship-building techniques, and classroom routines that support holistic well-being between students and staff. She shares insight into the future of relationship building, refined practices, and evidence-based approaches.
Research Findings:
Augustine and colleagues examined the academic and disciplinary outcomes of the restorative model "Pursuing Equitable and Restorative Communities Initiative" and compared 22 schools with restorative practices to 22 with no restorative approach. The findings of this study showed:
16% reduction in zero-tolerance school suspensions
Decreased suspension rates of Black students
10th-grade PSAT scores increased by 0.1
Strengthened school climate
Tips to Relationship Building:
Establish warm welcomes
Ask students how they are doing
Pronounce students' names correctly
Optimistic closure at the end of the class period
Know what's happening in their family life and community
A Case Study on Restorative Justice and Counter-storytelling
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