Restorative Leadership Teams (RLT) Development

RLT Development is an essential part of fostering a sustainable, restorative culture within schools. At Casting Circles LLC, we guide schools through the process of establishing and nurturing these teams, composed of dedicated educators who are ready to champion restorative practices within their communities.

Casting Circles supports RLT Development through monthly coaching and professional development sessions, Casting Circles works alongside your staff to form Restorative Leadership Teams (RLTs) at each school site. These teams, consisting of key stakeholders such as administrators, teacher leaders, counselors, and other staff, actively guide restorative initiatives and ensure their long-term success.

Each RLT is empowered to:

• Set System-Wide Goals: RLTs work collaboratively to identify goals for implementing restorative practices across the school. This shared leadership model helps eliminate the “top-down” approach, encouraging inclusive, community-driven decision-making.
• Advocate and Lead: As restorative champions, RLT members are responsible for delivering training, guiding implementation, and providing ongoing support to their colleagues, fostering a deeper understanding of restorative practices throughout the school.
• Engage Diverse Voices: By including a wide range of perspectives—such as social workers, guidance counselors, department heads, and even PTA representatives—the RLT ensures that restorative initiatives are inclusive, comprehensive, and responsive to the unique needs of the school community.

Building and Sustaining the Team

Initial efforts focus on establishing norms, setting SMART goals, collecting and analyzing data, reviewing policies, and building community within the team. The RLT also plays a crucial role in coaching their colleagues, offering peer support as restorative practices are integrated into the school's everyday operations.

Throughout the process, Casting Circles can offer continuous training, coaching, and support to RLT members, ensuring that they have the skills and resources needed to sustain and replicate restorative practices effectively.

Restorative In-School Suspension (RISS) Development

Restorative In-School Suspension (ISS) offers a constructive alternative to traditional disciplinary methods, focusing on personal growth and accountability rather than isolation. At Casting Circles, we help schools design and implement Restorative ISS programs that encourage students to reflect on their behavior, take responsibility for their actions, and develop essential conflict-resolution skills. Through facilitated restorative conversations, students gain insight into the impact of their actions on others, learn strategies for better choices, and work toward repairing any harm caused.

Casting Circles LLC provides comprehensive guidance in creating and sustaining a Restorative ISS program that aligns with your school’s needs. Our services include:

• Consultation and Planning: We collaborate with school leaders to assess existing disciplinary approaches and identify opportunities to integrate restorative practices into ISS.
• Training for Staff: We offer workshops and professional development to ensure staff are equipped with the tools and strategies to facilitate restorative conversations and manage a restorative ISS room.
• Program Design: We help develop a clear structure for Restorative ISS, including protocols for reflective exercises, restorative conversations, and skill-building activities that promote long-term behavior change.
• Ongoing Support: Our team provides continued coaching and support as your school rolls out the program, ensuring that it is implemented effectively and continues to grow with your community’s needs.

By partnering with Casting Circles, your school can transform disciplinary actions into opportunities for meaningful engagement, helping students return to the classroom more self-aware and prepared to contribute positively.