Whole-School Change: Cultivating School Communities that Thrive

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Positive School Culture

Whole-School Change (formerly SaferSanerSchools) is a program that cultivates stronger relationships between students and staff to create a more positive school climate and communities that thrive.

Increased Equity

Restorative practices empowers a diversity of voices and reduces discipline disparities based on race and other factors.

Strong School Leadership

Our program teaches school leaders 21st century professional competencies to improve workplace culture and foster staff development.


Program Components

The International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP) Whole-School Change program provides a comprehensive implementation model that works with educators to transform school climate in districts across the United States.

 

Professional Development
Professional Development 2

Staff learn skills to proactively connect with students and respond when things go wrong.

Coaching
In school Coaching

IIRP coaches help school leadership teams reinforce the use of restorative practices.

Restorative Practices Trainers
Institutional Licensing

Leaders select a team to become IIRP Restorative Practices Trainers to sustain and expand the program.

Download our program overview


A Program of the IIRP Graduate School

The International Institute for Restorative Practices is a graduate school offering a Master of Science and Graduate Certificate in Restorative Practices, the social science of relationships and community. Our continuing education instructors have worked in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.; we have worked in hundreds of schools and districts, urban and rural.

The IIRP has collaborated with national organizations to integrate restorative practices with social emotional learning (SEL), Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and bullying prevention programs. The IIRP Whole-School Change program was the subject of a RAND Corporation report showing restorative practices reduced suspensions in 22 schools over two years in Pittsburgh Public Schools.

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"Restorative practices provide a structure that builds community among students and staff and provides a way for students to restore themselves to the community following misconduct."

Anthony Hamlet
Former Superintendent, Pittsburgh Public Schools


Research and Reports

RAND PDF Image WebRestorative Practices Help Reduce Student Suspensions

RAND Corporation, a Randomized Controlled Trial of Whole-School Change (formerly SaferSanerSchools as referenced in the report)

 


RP Guide PDF Image WebRestorative Practices: Fostering Healthy Relationships & Promoting Positive School Discipline

Advancement Project, American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association, Opportunity to Learn Campaign

Additional school resources »


Frequently Asked Questions


Pinellas County, FL
 

Contact Us

Have questions about Whole-School Change? We're here to help. Our offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern.

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Phone: 610-807-9221

Bring the Whole-School Change Program to Your School!

Contact Us
Email: wholeschoolchange@iirp.edu
Phone: (610) 807-9221


Whole-School Change program overview

Download the Whole-School Change program overview.

Rhicetta Rhonda

"My students are now in a better place – academically and behaviorally – than they’ve ever been."

Rhonda Richetta 
Baltimore, Maryland, USA