2.3 Collaboration and Accountability

The school engages in collaborative problem solving:

• There is a shared responsibility and participation among all members of the school community in contributing to the sustainability of positive relationships. This is achieved by working together to identify potential problems and determine solutions.
• Misbehavior can become a teachable moment and the community/relationships can be restored when all of those impacted or harmed by an incident are involved in a collaborative process. The process is designed to determine unmet needs and the solutions required to make things as right as possible.
• The process recognizes all people act to satisfy human needs (e.g., belonging, freedom, power, and fun). Behaviors are chosen to meet these underlying needs.

Restorative practices enhance accountability and responsibility, and empower change and growth when conducted in a collaborative environment.

• All members of the school community are responsible for contributing to the establishment and maintenance of a positive school culture by taking personal responsibility to follow through and hold one another accountable to the collective values and principles that define the community.
• Conflict presents opportunity for change if the process includes careful listening, reflecting, shared problem solving and trust.
• High accountability occurs when systems and structures are in place that allow for one to take responsibility for their actions by providing them the opportunity to learn and understand the impact of their actions, determine how to make things as right as possible, AND follow through with the plan.
• Consequences as part of the restorative process should be evaluated based on whether they are reasonable, related to the offense, and respectful.
• Some students choose to resist participation in a process that will allow for change and may need adults to support and guide them in decision making concerning their accountability.

Adapted from Amstutz & Mullet (2005), and Wachtel & Costello (2009).