Course DescriptionThis course takes participants through the book Better than Carrots or Sticks to help them rethink traditional classroom management and find better ways to empower students, correct misbehavior, and build a positive and respectful classroom environment. Grounded in the foundations of Restorative Practices, this book provides strategies and mindsets to ensure that classrooms are welcoming, constructive and productive environments built on mutual respect and focused on student achievement. Please note that content for this book study draws from the book, ASCD resources, and from a 3 part series that was designed and previously offered by Karen Martin, a Restorative Justice Practitioner and Diana Straut of the Upstate PDRC.

Structure of the Book Study: Structure of the Book Study:
This book study will require you to
1) read a chapter of the book using 3-4 guiding questions,
2) watch a short video from the book study where the facilitator highlights some ideas or strategies from that section, and then
3) respond to 1-2 final prompts. The book is divided into six chapters
Chapter 1: Punitive or Restorative: The Choice is Yours
Chapter 2: Relationships and Meaningful Instruction: The Foundations
of Restorative Practices
Chapter 3: Classroom Procedures and Expectations: Structures that
Support Restorative Practices
Chapter 4: Peace Building: Using Informal Restorative Practices
Every Day
Chapter 5: Peacemaking: Strategic Implementation of Formal
Restorative Practices
Chapter 6: Creating the Mindset for Restorative Practices


You will need to read the book in the order of the chapters and complete one module before you can move on to the next.


The CTLE credits will be awarded once you have completed the entire book. Partial credit will not be provided if you do not finish the book study courseCourse Objectives: Participants in this course will:
*receive an overview of the roots of restorative practices in schools and

*will explore ideas and practical strategies for:
*building relationships with students
*implementing restorative practices and
*creating healthy learning environments that improve learning outcomes.

Audience: K-12 Classroom Educators (general and special education), Paraeducators, Support Providers, Complementary/Special area teachers and School Leaders

Presenters: Diana Scarselletta Straut