Just Discipline Project
Evidence has shown that exclusionary discipline practices in schools like suspensions have negative effects on students and schools alike. In particular, these practices contribute to the “school-to-prison pipeline,” a process whereby school-based infractions push youth to engagement with the criminal justice system. In response, the Just Discipline Project is a research-to-practice initiative designed to advance achievement for all students by implementing and evaluating school‐based relational climate and restorative practice programs.
The project supports teachers, students, and staff in efforts to enhance relational approaches that ultimately reduce the need for exclusionary discipline in schools. We expect that decreases in school suspensions and increases in strong relationships will in tandem yield safer schools, improved academic outcomes, and reduced contact with criminal justice systems for youth.
Restorative Justice and culture-building programming started at Woodland Hills Intermediate School in the spring of 2017 and has continued since that time. The Just Discipline Project currently serves over 5,000 students in twelve local schools. Evaluation of the work is ongoing.
People
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Jay Huguley Project Principle Investigator huguley@pitt.edu |
Ming-Te Wang Project Co-Principle Investigator mtwang@pitt.edu |
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Shawn Thomas |
Michele Leyshon Snyder |
Rachelle Haynik |
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Cameron Ashbaugh |
Breela Dorsey Restorative Practice Coordinator |
Jamaal Gosa |
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Rodney Gaskins-Acie |
Jackie Myers |
Molly Means |
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Cyndi Perlow Restorative Practice Coordinator CMP232@pitt.edu |
Tayor Savala Restorative Practice Coordinator TAS369@pitt.edu |
Spencer Scott |
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Jennie Smith Restorative Practice Coordinator JCS234@pitt.edu |
Ashley Thomas Restorative Practice Coordinator AST89@pitt.edu |
Bianca DeBellis
Doctoral Fellow & Professional Partnership
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Meet our Restorative Practice Coordinators |
Learn More
Reach out for more information: justdiscipline@pitt.edu
Follow us on Twitter @justdiscipline
Community Champions
The JDP Community Champions is a body of parents, educators, and invested community members who work on the Just Discipline scientific team through our partnership with The Pittsburgh Study at Children’s Hospital. The JDP Champions work with the Just Discipline programmers to tailor the work to the strengths, needs, and interests of the communities we serve.
Tameka McGee - Woodland Hills School District Teacher and Parent
Kristin Walker - Social Worker and Woodland Hills School District Parent
Dr. Keith Caldwell - Director of Impact and Continuity - Community Engagement Centers and Woodland Hills School District Parent
Sala Udin - Pittsburgh Public School Board President
Dawn Golden - Director of Pupil Personnel Services at Woodland Hills School District
Cheryl Kleiman - Legislative Director for Senator Lindsey M. Williams