Akron Public Schools - Student Preventative and Restorative Justice Project

Akron Public Schools (APS) will implement the International Institute for Restorative Practices’ (IIRP) customized professional development training in restorative practices for all staff and faculty at up to three targeted schools within its Garfield Cluster. This custom program will educate teachers and staff to provide additional support for students who repeatedly behave in a manner that leads to exclusionary discipline actions. These supports include social-emotional skill development, conflict resolution, restorative practices, and specific interventions to identify and address individual barriers. Once the targeted schools have been identified, senior leadership and key stakeholders have been trained in the restorative practices and program design, the school system will begin working directly within the schools with staff and students. School staff will receive professional development, in-class coaching, and individualized student support with the intent of significantly reducing suspension, inner-district transfers, and expulsions while supporting our students, educators, and families.