Program
Teaching M.A.
Number of Pages
54
Year Approved
2025
First Advisor
Cavalier, Meghan
Second Reader
Julie Winn
Abstract
This literature review examines restorative justice practices in secondary education, focusing on academic outcomes and comparison with traditional disciplinary methods. Drawing from research published between 2013-2024, this review analyzes how restorative practices impact student achievement while exploring implementation challenges. The review addresses two questions: the impact of restorative practices on academic outcomes in secondary education, and how these practices compare to traditional methods regarding implementation requirements, sustainability, and student outcomes. After establishing theoretical and historical context, the review systematically examines empirical studies, identifying key implementation factors including professional development, stakeholder engagement, and resource allocation. Findings indicate that while restorative practices can improve school climate and reduce disciplinary incidents, particularly for marginalized students, implementation quality significantly influences outcomes. The relationship between restorative practices and academic achievement is complex, with evidence suggesting well-implemented programs positively impact academic and social-emotional outcomes. This review contributes to knowledge about restorative justice in education while highlighting areas requiring further research, particularly regarding long-term academic impacts and sustainability in diverse secondary school environments.
Degree Name
Teaching M.A.
Document Type
Masterʼs thesis
Recommended Citation
Matia, J. S. (2025). Restorative Justice in Secondary Schools: Benefits, Challenges, and Academic Impact [Masterʼs thesis, Bethel University]. Spark Repository. https://spark.bethel.edu/etd/1182
Terms of Use and License Information
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.