Picking up where the awareness level workshop left off, the level 2 day picks up where the level 1 workshop finished and sees us moving up the continuum of restorative practice to look at using modified restorative questioning in a circle (class conference) format to help students agree on expected behaviours in a learning environment. Bill models this process in a circle, and participants then group off to create their proactive conference scripts for use back at school.

Next, Staff reflect on their experiences using restorative pedagogy with students (since the level 1 workshop) and, through a series of collegial sharing protocols, create ‘burning questions’ to bring to larger circles for conversation and analysis. This exercise encourages honest straight-talk about the aspects of restorative work that worry Staff and airs the non-discussable about restorative practices in schools. If ignored, these questions act as roadblocks to the change process.  

In the afternoon, we look at and practice small group restorative conferencing, using both ‘sides’ of the restorative script to encourage reflection, understanding, responsibility-taking and restoration in the wake of conflict and wrongdoing. Small group conferencing is a complex skill that contains many micro-skills that Bill uncovers in this session.