RESEARCH MATRIX 1
Curriculum Change Plan: Part 1 - Research Matrix
Angelique Woodyard
School of Education, Liberty University
RESEARCH MATRIX 2
Research Matrix
Curriculum Change Plan Proposed Topic: Implementing Restorative Justice Practices in
6th grade
1. Title Classroom peace circles: Teachers’ professional learning and
implementation of restorative dialogue
Author(s) Christina Parker & Kathy Bickmore
Date of Publication August 2019
Topic When introducing peace circles there needs to be an emphasis on
professional development. With the PD teachers can lead
students in the PCs and encourage relationship building and
conflict resolution.
Theories Circle practice discussion theories were the main focus in this
research. By utilizing the discussion theory positive,
encouraging dialogue was developed to initiate conflict
resolution.
Research Question How will teachers and students achieve success when tackling
conflicts during peace circles?
Methodology The methodology used is restorative. The goals were to
effectively teach students and teachers about peace circles. This
was done through a restorative methodology.
Results The study proved that when teachers used open-ended questions
and built connections with their students it gave the students a
chance to solve conflicts with a more positive result.
Explain the application to
your curriculum change
plan.
The study was done in middle grades in a public school setting.
The article shared pertinent information explaining successes
and failures while implementing peace circles. This directly
applies to my curriculum change plan proposal.
2. Title A Systematic Evaluation of Restorative Justice Practices: School
Violence Prevention and Response
Author(s) Barbara Katic, Laura A. Alba & Austin H. Johnson
Date of Publication June, 2020
Topic Restorative justice studies have just recently become popular. As
school violence has become a major concern among
communities, the subject of restorative justice implementation is
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explored. This is a study of restorative justice in the educational
setting.
Theories Case study and Literature Review
Research Question What methods of RJ will be used?
Were the outcomes a success or failure?
How do you measure the success or failure?
Methodology This was a literature review using PRISMA guidelines.
Results The results of the research showed that positive outcomes are
established with the implementation of RJ. However, it was
noted that in order to establish positive outcomes copious
amounts of professional development must have been
implemented prior to the roll out of RJ.
Explain the application to
your curriculum change
plan.
One major impact is the success of restorative justice techniques
in schools.
3. Title A Missing Piece: Embedding Restorative Justice and Relational
Pedagogy into the Teacher Education Classroom
Author(s) Trista Hollweck, Kristin Reimer & Karen Bouchard
Date of Publication July, 2019
Topic The topic of this article is a study of teachers as they go through
the initial introduction, implementation, and empowering
students effectively through positive relationships through RJ.
Theories The mission of this article is to promote RJ into classrooms. By
doing so teachers are provided effective PD exposing them to
relational pedagogies so they will have the knowledge and tools
to implement RJ.
Research Question How can teachers use restorative justice to promote a sense of
community to address conflicts?
How important is professional learning for teachers who will be
using restorative justice practices?
Methodology The utilization of the social constructivist framework enables the
stages of RJ and provides valuable information for teachers to
comprehend the meaning of RJ.
Results To implement RJ with fidelity it’s imperative to have an
appropriate staff member to advocate and promote RJ. The study
found that if the change in teacher curriculum does not have a
positive perspective then there may be drawbacks among staff
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members/
Explain the application to
your curriculum change
plan.
With the proposed curriculum change plan this supports the need
for teachers being the major stakeholder when discussing
curriculum changes regarding the implementation of RJ.
4. Title School Staff and Youth Perspectives of Tier 1 Restorative
Practices Classroom Circles
Author(s) Bernice Raveche Garnett, Colby T. Kervick, Mika Moore, Tracy
A. Ballysingh & Lance C. Smith
Date of Publication September, 2020
Topic This is a case study that researches a yearlong RP
implementation in an entire school year.
Theories The backbone of RP is building relationships. The main theory
behind this study is relationality since it has emphasis on
building relationships.
Research Question What PD have teachers had in order to facilitate RP peace
circles?
Methodology This study used a mixed methods approach to investigate the
experiences had by staff and students who participated in peace
circles during the year.
Results Results found that those that participated in peace circles had a
positive improvement in social emotional growth. This study
also discovered how peer relationships improved over the year.
Explain the application to
your curriculum change
plan.
This supports my curriculum change plan re-emphasizing the
importance of schools adopting restorative practices. The data
showing the social emotional growth supports the importance of
the change.
5. Title The Emerging Promise of Restorative Practices to Reduce
Discipline Disparities Affecting Youth with Disabilities and
Youth of Color: Addressing Access and Equity
Author(s) Colby T. Kervick, Mika Moore, Tracy Arambua Ballysingh,
Bernice Raveche Garnett, Lance C. Smith
Date of Publication Winter, 2019
Topic Restorative practices are proven to address concerns with the
rising disproportionate disciplinary actions among children with
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disabilities and color. But, in order for there to be a successful
implementation teachers and staff must be provided effective
professional development.
Theories In order for RP to be provided effectively staff must understand
implicit bias and racism. They must be willing to have an open
mindset of growth.
Research Question What percentage do minority students encounter
disproportionate disciplinary actions?
What percentage do white students go without disciplinary
action for the same offense as the minority student?
Methodology The methodology utilized is the Universal Design for Learning.
UDLs philosophy has always been accommodating to RtI and
supporting the needs of students in the classroom. Schools that
support UDL normally support restorative practices, too.
Results There will always be a difficulty is knowing what is best in
supporting students with disabilities. But anything that supports
building relationships and providing fair and just treatment is a
success for all.
Explain the application to
your curriculum change
plan.
The RP framework exemplifies support for students with
disabilities and disproportionate disciplinary actions towards
those students and students of color. This concept is the most
important reason why this article applies to my curriculum
change plan.
6. Title “Restorative Justice” or Restoring Order? Restorative School
Discipline Practices in Urban Public Schools
Author(s) Hilary Lustick
Date of Publication 2021
Topic This study took place over the course of one year. This study
investigated reasons why disproportionate discipline actions
were still taking place in schools that were implementing
restorative practices.
Theories Study used concept of hegemony as it focused on school staff
who used restorative practice. It was investigated to see how
those individuals treated students with disabilities and color with
discipline actions.
Research Question How does restorative practices support racial inequality?
Methodology Ethnographic study to examine restorative practices related to
how it addresses disproportionate discipline and reduces
suspension rates.
Results Results were that suspension rates were reduced with the
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implementation of RP. The leaders of the school said that due to
inadequate implementation teachers felt that discipline was
being handled inside the school. There was an attempt to try to
promote positive relationships, but they were unable to
effectively guide the students to success.
Explain the application to
your curriculum change
plan.
There are many articles about how RP should be implemented
and how it can impact students. This was about what it looked
like with RP not done effectively. Definitely will be a great
source to have for the curriculum change plan.
7. Title Twelve indicators of Restorative Practices Implementation: A
Framework for Educational Leaders
Author(s) Anne Gregory, Allison Rae Ward-Seidel, & Kayla V.Carter
Date of Publication October, 2020
Topic The need for professional development in restorative practices is
at the forefront of discussion. This article is explaining all of the
many facets of restorative practice professional development.
Theories The investigation utilized a theoretical framework to introduce
the professional development in restorative practices.
Research Question What are the components of restorative practices that prioritize
equity among students?
Methodology This study utilized a qualitative research methodology
emphasizing a ground theory approach to organize the views of
the educators.
Results The study produced solid results in the implementation of
restorative practices. The most important aspect was leadership
support. Teacher buy-in and reforming a school’s discipline
policy were other key components.
Explain the application to
your curriculum change
plan.
This information of how the administrators provided insight into
how certain things can advance the program will be vital
information for my curriculum change plan.
8. Title Restorative Practices in a Middle School Setting
Author(s) Andreanita S. Gordan
Date of Publication June, 2020
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Topic As an educator living in an ever changing society it is important
to become self-aware of our own implicit bias. It’s so important
to be able to support our students and accept who they are
regardless of gender preference, sexuality, or ethnicity. This
study is examining the part restorative practices has in
supporting classroom community. And, how the teacher’s self-
awareness is to being able to foster the growth of restorative
practices.
Theories The study used an action research design to utilize the research
process to gain knowledge and guidance for future decisions.
Research Question 1. Will professional development empower teachers to become
self-aware to support the implementation of restorative
practices?
2. Will peace circles improve relationships among peers?
3. Will restorative practices foster growth in the classroom
community?
4. Will student attendance be impacted by restorative practices?
Methodology The study used a mixed methods approach using both qualitative
and quantitative data collection.
Results The results discovered the importance of continuous professional
development. The need for more time to be used to implement
RP. It was also discovered that teachers felt that RP was needed
in the schools.
Explain the application to
your curriculum change
plan.
The study's results can be used by leaders to effectively prepare
for change in curriculum plans and implement Restorative
Practice as an additional technique for addressing conflict in
schools.
9. Title A Trend Analysis of Middle School Suspension Data of
Districtwide and School-based implementation of Restorative
Practices in Maryland
Author(s) Yvette Carleen Motley
Date of Publication December, 2020
Topic This study focused on the middle school level to determine the
effectiveness of restorative practices. This study researched a
time from 2013-2019 to investigate how restorative practices
may or may not have impacted suspensions.
Theories The undertone dialogue of this article mirrors the concept of
social emotional learning as it relates to suspensions.
Research Question What is the comparison of suspension rates for Maryland middle
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schools from 2013-2019 involving the schools who did or did
not implement restorative practices?
Methodology This investigation used an analysis variance to gather data on the
suspension rates.
Results The data could not show a difference between the schools who
did or did not regarding suspensions. This implies that more
professional development is needed for those schools. However,
for students with disruptive behavior the data showed an
improvement over the years which indicated that RP has been
somewhat successful.
Explain the application to
your curriculum change
plan.
This article gave insightful suggestions of change moving
towards implementation of RP. The suggestions for
interventions needed to support conflict resolution are beneficial.
10. Title Educators’ Beliefs and Perceptions of Implementing Restorative
Practices
Author(s) Tasminda K. Dhaliwal, Eupha Jeanne Daramola, Jacob D.
Alonso, and Julie A. Marsh
Date of Publication 2023
Topic Educators have strong views when it comes to discipline and the
implementation of restorative practices. This study analyzes
those views.
Theories This study used the foundational principles of the sensemaking
theory. Research shows that the attitudes of teachers plays a
significant role in the success of restorative practices.
Research Question Is there a relationship between the success in restorative
practices and educators attitudes?
What are the beliefs an educator may or may not have on racial
inequality and discipline?
Methodology The methodologies could be attributed to the cause and effect
approach. But, the data may also be established a certain way
due to how restorative practices was implemented.
Results The data results showed that teachers believe they are
knowledgeable and implement restorative practices effectively.
The data also showed that students were very skeptic that their
teachers have ample knowledge of RP. This could fall under the
same subject that some teachers feel they are not racist because
they are blind to their implicit bias. Yet, their students know
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first-hand their teacher has racist views.
Explain the application to
your curriculum change
plan.
The positive results are that teachers feel there is a need for
restorative practices in schools. The need for professional
development continues for teachers.
11. Title Reframing Restorative Justice in Education Shifting Power to
Heal and Transform School Communities
Author(s) April L. Mustian, Henry Cervantes, and Robert Lee
Date of Publication November, 2021
Topic This article explains restorative practices and the cultural
background and history of its existence.
Theories The study will review over restorative practice and how it relates
to the Critical Race Theory. It will also research the existence of
racial bias, white privilege and inequality within the failure of
restorative practices implementation.
Research Question What obstacles are continuing to exist that hinders the success of
restorative practices for all students?
Methodology Literature Review and Self-Analysis
Results The results showed that just gathering suspension data does not
show any correlation regarding restorative practices and
inequality among children of color and students with disabilities.
It stated that a more indepth study would need to take place to
investigate these conflicts.
Explain the application to
your curriculum change
plan.
The data continues to support positive support for RP but
questions regarding the lack of implementation and support for
RP.
12. Title Mitigating the Effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences: How
Restorative Practices in Schools Support Positive Childhood
Experiences and Protective Factors
Author(s) Meghan Breedlove, Jihyeon Choi, Brett Zyromski
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Date of Publication August, 2020
Topic This article gives examples of case studies and literature reviews
explaining how restorative practices foster positive classroom
communities and promotes positive relationship building.
Theories Behaviorism
Research Question How adverse childhood experiences affect the implementation of
restorative practices in the classroom?
Methodology Investigations, Case Studies, Research Briefs, Literature Review
Results Results show that restorative practices are capable to support the
needs of all students. Children who have suffered from adverse
childhood experiences respond better to restorative practices
than harsh disciplinary measures.
Explain the application to
your curriculum change
plan.
This article gives more methods on how to effectively
implement RP in schools and the research behind how children
have positively responded to RP if implemented effectively.
13. Title Restore their Potential Exploring the Expanded Effects of
Restorative Justice Programs in Schools
Author(s) Payton Riley Ptacek
Date of Publication January, 2021
Topic This article reviews over the policies and legislation mandating
the implementation of restorative practices in schools in
Michigan.
Theories Criminological theory, Labeling theory, Self-Control theory,
Ecological Systems theory
Research Question How will the passing of the 2016 Restorative Justice Law show
decreased juvenile arrests?
Methodology This was a quantitative research investigating the potential
changes restorative practices has made in schools since the
passing of the 2016 legislation.
Results The study was able to discover the relationship of juvenile
arrests and the implementation of restorative practices in
schools. The main concept discovered is that when legislation is
passed it is very important for lawmakers to consider how a
policy or program demonstrates advantages over many different
circumstances.
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Explain the application to
your curriculum change
plan.
This will support my proposal of a curriculum change plan with
RP showing successful research. With the legislation passed in
2016 there are pros and cons to RP. But the results are showing
positive influences in schools across that state.
14. Title Introducing Restorative Practices in a Diverse Elementary
School to Build Community and Reduce Exclusionary
Discipline: Year One Processes, Facilitators, and Next Steps
Author(s) Colby T. Kervick, Bernice Garnett, Mika Moore, Tracy
Arambula Ballysingh and Lance C. Smith
Date of Publication 2020
Topic This is a study researching the implementation of restorative
practices in an elementary school using a mixed methods
approach.
Theories Behaviorism and Social Emotional Learning Theory
Research Question How does restorative practices align with our
current behavior policy?
Who are the leaders that will support the
implementation of RP?
Methodology This study used a mixed methods approach that was built around
a community based action research framework.
Results The case study discovered that there was a lack of
communication and understanding of how RP was to be
executed. However, the faculty and staff were vested in actively
planning and communicating how to best implement restorative
practices related to their social/emotional learning curriculum.
Explain the application to
your curriculum change
plan.
This was one of a very few case studies on implementation of
RP in an elementary school. While there is not much research
done on elementary school implementation this article gives
solid examples of how to initiate the roll out of RP in a school.
15. Title The Effect of Restorative Practices on Student Behavior and
Achievement in Schools
Author(s) Kristen Lynch
Date of Publication July, 2021
Topic This study researched how restorative practices impacts student
behavior and academics.
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Theories Literature Review, Case Studies, Behaviorism and Social
Emotional Learning Theory
Research Question How has restorative practices effected school wide discipline
and student achievement?
Methodology This study used a mixed methods approach gathering
quantitative and qualitative data.
Results The results found that restorative practices have positively
impacted student behavior and student-teacher relationships.
However, no impact was found for student achievement.
Explain the application to
your curriculum change
plan.
This was a study actually looking at student achievement with
the introduction of RP. This would be a key topic when
introducing a curriculum change plan
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References
Breedlove, M., Choi, J., & Zyromski, B. (2021). Mitigating the effects of adverse childhood
experiences: How restorative practices in schools support positive childhood experiences
and protective factors. The New Educator, 17(3), 223-241.
https://doi.org/10.1080/1547688X.2020.1807078
Dhaliwal, T.K., Daramola, E.J., Alonso, J.D., & Marsh, J.A. (2023). Educators’ beliefs and
perceptions of implementing restorative practices. Education and Urban Society, 55(1),
88-118. https://doi.org/10.1177/00131245211048439
Garnett, B.R., Kervick, C.T., Moore, M., Ballysingh, T.A., & Smith, L.C. (2022). School staff
and youth perspectives of tier 1 restorative practices classroom circles. School
Psychology Review, 51(1), 112-126. https://doi.org/10.1080/2372966X2020.1795557
Gordan, A.S. (2020). Restorative practices in a middle school setting
Gregory, A., Ward-Seidel, A.R., & Carter, K.V. (2021). Twelve indicators of restorative
practices implementation: A framework for educational leaders. Journal of Educational
and Psychological Consultation, 31(2), 147-179.
https://doi.org/10.1080/10474412.2020.1824788
Hollweck, T., Reimer, K., & Bouchard, K. (2019). A missing piece: Embedding restorative
justice and relational pedagogy into the teacher education classroom. The New Educator,
15(3), 246-267. https://doi.org/10.1080/1547688X.2019.1626678
Katic, B., Alba, L.A., & Johnson, A.H. (2020). A systematic evaluation of restorative justice
practices: School violence prevention and response. Journal of School Violence, 19(4),
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Kervick, C.T., Garnett, B., Moore, M., Ballysingh, T.A., & Smith, L.C. (2020). Introducing
restorative practices in a diverse elementary school to build community and reduce
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exclusionary discipline: Year one processes, facilitators, and next steps. The School
Community Journal, 30(2), 155-183.
Kervick, C.T., Moore, M., Ballysingh, T.A., Garnett, B.R., & Smith, L.C. (2019). The emerging
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Lynch, K. (2021). The effect of restorative practices on student behavior and achievement in
schools
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school-based implementation of restorative practices in maryland
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Ptacek, P.R. (2021). Restore their potential: Exploring the expanded effects of restorative justice
programs in schools
