ERIC Number: EJ1217670
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Jul
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1098-3007
EISSN: N/A
The Use of Responsive Circles in Schools: An Exploratory Study
Wang, Elaine L.; Lee, Emma
Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, v21 n3 p181-194 Jul 2019
Responsive circles, a restorative practices (RP) strategy, have the potential to help improve school climate through supporting conflict resolution and community building; yet, little research exists on this practice. This mixed-methods study examined how educators in four urban schools (two elementary, one middle, and one high school) used responsive circles. Over a 7-month period, we observed 22 responsive circles led by 13 different teachers and rated them using the RP-Observe tool. In addition, we interviewed 40 staff members (10 from each school). Results indicated that educators in this study used responsive circles to address issues they believed were percolating beneath the surface or incidents that had already caused harm and required repair of relationships. Although several dimensions of responsive circles were frequently observed, others were less consistently implemented. Many of the educators reported that responsive circles can positively impact students' attitudes and behaviors. Implications of the study include the need for appropriate training and support to help teachers gain confidence in and become proficient at using responsive circles.
Descriptors: Positive Behavior Supports, Urban Schools, Interpersonal Relationship, Program Implementation, Conflict Resolution, Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools, Teacher Attitudes, Influences, Program Effectiveness
SAGE Publications and Hammill Institute on Disabilities. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: http://sagepub.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education; High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: US Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A