Florida education leaders concerned about Duval schools ‘restorative practices’ trainings
NAPLES, Fla. (FLV) – Top Florida education leaders expressed concerns Wednesday over the Duval County School District’s decision to approve “restorative practices” trainings to address school violence.
There are concerns that the training would put time constraints on teachers and lead to “inconsistent and inaccurate reporting of discipline incidents.”
Florida’s Voice previously covered Duval County school board members approving a contract to train teachers in handling classroom disruption.
It would teach “restorative practices,” which is a different approach to traditional disciplinary actions. Some board members posed concerns with the training materials before the 4-2 vote Aug. 2.
The Florida Department of Education had previously sent a letter to Duval schools Monday requesting information on the new teacher training of “restorative practices.”
State Board of Education members and Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. commented during the State Board of Education meeting Wednesday.
“I just want to make it very clear to Duval County Public Schools, while you’re you’re okay to try things to reduce the number of disciplinary incidents you’re not allowed to violate state law,” said Vice Chair Ryan Petty, who had lost his daughter in the Parkland school shooting.
Petty pointed to Broward County schools, which he said was a “pioneer” of restorative justice practices. He said it redefined student disciplinary incidents and led to misdemeanors and felonies being “swept under the rug.”
“And it contributed to the chaos in the attack on Parkland,” Petty said.
Diaz reiterated a similar sentiment Wednesday, explaining there is “zero tolerance” for programs that run afoul or state statutes and rules.
“We are monitoring that very closely,” Diaz said. “We have written the letter to bring it to their attention. We have our team working with them to make sure it works within the confines of the law.”
The training approved by Duval schools is funded by the Department of Justice Bureau’s STOP School Violence grant.
The letter requested the district provide the state with the actual training manuals and descriptions of activities that the International Institute for Restorative Practices intends to use with the district.
“While DCPS has the authority and responsibility to develop a student code of conduct that identifies and defines behavioral expectations and consequences, all incidents that meet the definition of a SESIR incident, as defined in State Board of Education Rule 6A-1.0017, Florida Administrative Code, must be reported to the Florida Department of Education,” the letter said.
Florida’s Voice reached out to the Duval County School District Monday for a comment on the letter but did not receive a response.
