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From Retributive to Restorative: An Alternative Approach to Justice in Schools

Author

Listed:
  • Adukia, Anjali

    (University of Chicago)

  • Feigenberg, Benjamin

    (University of Illinois at Chicago)

  • Momeni, Fatemeh

    (University of Chicago)

Abstract

School districts historically approached conflict-resolution from the perspective that suspending disruptive students was necessary to protect their classmates, even if this caused harm to perceived offenders. Restorative practices (RP) – focused on reparation, accountability, and shared ownership of disciplinary justice – are designed to address undesirable behavior without harming students. We study Chicago Public Schools' adoption of RP and find that suspensions and arrests decreased, driven by effects for Black students. We find null effects on test-score value added, ruling out meaningful average declines. We estimate a 15% decrease in out-of-school arrests, consistent with RP substantively changing student behavior.

Suggested Citation

  • Adukia, Anjali & Feigenberg, Benjamin & Momeni, Fatemeh, 2025. "From Retributive to Restorative: An Alternative Approach to Justice in Schools," IZA Discussion Papers 17700, IZA Network @ LISER.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17700
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yotam Shem‐Tov & Steven Raphael & Alissa Skog, 2024. "Can Restorative Justice Conferencing Reduce Recidivism? Evidence From the Make‐it‐Right Program," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 92(1), pages 61-78, January.
    2. Dania Francis, 2012. "Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice? Teacher Perceptions of Black Girls in the Classroom," The Review of Black Political Economy, Springer;National Economic Association, vol. 39(3), pages 311-320, September.
    3. Evan K. Rose & Jonathan T. Schellenberg & Yotam Shem-Tov, 2022. "The Effects of Teacher Quality on Adult Criminal Justice Contact," NBER Working Papers 30274, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    4. C. Kirabo Jackson, 2018. "What Do Test Scores Miss? The Importance of Teacher Effects on Non–Test Score Outcomes," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 126(5), pages 2072-2107.
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    2. Craig, Ashley C & Martin, David, 2023. "Discipline Reform, School Culture, and Student Achievement," IZA Discussion Papers 15906, IZA Network @ LISER.

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality
    • J18 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Public Policy

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