Restorative Justice in Oakland Schools: Tier One. Community Building Circle

A pair of students at MetWest High School, an Oakland public school in Oakland, Calif., facilitate a community-building circle in their classroom.

[@gabrielaflores2502]

These kids have such a connection and truly respect one another. This was amazing to watch, very inspirational!

[@JDGothard]

Excellent work. This is what MUST be done for schools to work, because if the students feel alienated from the system and each other, only sadness will result. These kinds of circles are a KEY to resilience, no matter which students are involved, or what socio-economic level they are from. Great production value on the video too. There should be more than 29,000 views.

[@dianecockrell9587]

As others I find this inspiring and empowering. I hope that more school districts pursue this. These students are our future leaders and we need to support them as they pursue their educational and personal goals.

[@Nadiipp]

This is hope for the world - listening and sharing and being strong and vulnerable - true team stuff

[@ithompson32]

This is a wonderful video! I apply restorative justice practices within my classroom through circles. I will admit, I became emotional at the closing.

[@abundantlyblessednocap472]

I really enjoyed watching these kids interact with each other! This is very inspiring! Thanks for posting!

[@beautyboois9276]

This is incredibly beautiful!

[@mooimanconsulting]

I think I have watched this video 100 times! I always learn something more. Thank you Cassidy!

[@CassidyFriedman]

Thank you for sharing. I've sat in circle and filmed circles many times since that one but it always stands out I think because of the connection that you can feel between the students and with their teacher. The circle is not an "add on" but was built into the culture.

[@johnjames2470]

I can hear why. What language are they speaking?

[@MariaReese777]

Sharing this video tomorrow with my colleagues who are adult teachers. Phenomenal video!

[@joywiggins]

This 9th grade facilitator is AMAZING!

[@tasmaniandumbass]

This is the joint! I can't wait to start getting these circles started in my ASP and small groups. Get it, MetWest!

[@rodlaws9653]

This was dope!!!! I just enjoyed this!

[@asherahweiss]

This makes my heart smile. Thank you!!

[@tamarsberlo3000]

Best video of a RJ circle I've ever seen!

[@sanuelhilliard9383]

This was amazing!

[@crissy6117]

I couldn't stop smiling, I love it!

[@shellyj9809]

This is a great introduction to the real world situations that take place & how to deal with things.

[@RitaAnnEvans]

Love it! This is an inspiring idea for me. I wish more leaders in each community would take a closer look at this type of idea.
Now, my question would also be: What are the success rates?
Will these youth be bullied for participating? Are they doing as well on the streets in their own homes and in the community?
Just curious.

[@Hesurroundsme]

www.utexas.edu/news/2013/12/17/restorative-discipline-san-antonio/
www.edutopia.org/blog/restorative-justice-resources-matt-davis

[@CassidyFriedman]

Cassidy Friedman, the director of this short video, went on to direct CIRCLES: THE RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PROJECT, the first feature film to examine the phenomenon of Restorative Justice in schools. The film is available on Itunes, Amazon, and most other online streaming platforms for personal use and is available for institutional licenses here: www.storiesmattermedia.com/store

[@mathematicsmadeeasiergh-ngo]

Awesome 👏👏👏👏

[@darrylwarner4192]

This is my second year implementing restorative practices in the district where I am employed and this may be the video I want to use to during one our professional developments to illustrate the development of building a community within the classroom via Restorative Practices.

[@CassidyFriedman]

Hi Darryl, That's great. Where are you located? Please follow our feature documentary, which we've just completed, so we can connect and plan a screening in your school district: facebook.com/restorativejusticefilm/
Be well!
Cassidy

[@darrylwarner4192]

Dearborn Public Schools. Dearborn, Michigan. I will take a look at the feature documentary.

[@MrGrokNRoll]

Just stumbled over Social and Emotional Learning via an article at YES! magazine. Sounds like something to look into. Any tips on where to start?

[@grannyb5573]

Great circle experience.

[@ousdrestorativejustice3779]

Love this

[@maybelleco.seedssuch8156]

amazing

[@jcarmodyful]

See the power of creating community in a classroom in this Teaching Tolerance video.

[@leagail]

Inspiring!

[@isaiahhh7797]

How old are they now it’s been like 9 years

[@johnjames2470]

They are all 9 years older, if that helps.

[@rtfreina9567]

Consider reading the bible.
Bible is not manufactured religions, it is for you educate yourself, to educate your family and to educate all people.

[@Carrot555]

wackk

[@markwarreneddy]

This isn’t education.