Neuroscience and Restorative Practices: Healing Through Right-Brain Engagement

Neuroscience and Restorative Practices: Healing Through Right-Brain Engagement

The human brain can be understood as a historical organ, encoding psychobiological experiences that shape the foundation of self-regulation (Schore, 2012). From early childhood, th...

A Short History of Discipline Practices in the United States

A Short History of Discipline Practices in the United States

Disciplinary practices have evolved in tandem with the growth of formal education in the United States. Just as the latter constantly changed and responded to the pressing needs of...

The Phenomenon of “Cracking” in Today’s Sociopolitical Climate: A Restorative Leadership Approach to Mitigating Burnout

The Phenomenon of “Cracking” in Today’s Sociopolitical Climate: A Restorative Leadership Approach to Mitigating Burnout

In today’s rapidly shifting social and political climate, the workplace is experiencing heightened levels of stress, polarization, and emotional strain. Many professionals - especi...

Optimism at the Start: Reflections from All Those Back-to-School Sales

Optimism at the Start: Reflections from All Those Back-to-School Sales

It’s that time of year when Target and Walmart dedicate sections of their stores to "Back to School" promotions. For some teachers, the "On Sale" signs signal the end of their summ...

Theory in Action: Transforming School Discipline

Theory in Action: Transforming School Discipline

Enrico Fermi, celebrated as the “Father of the Atomic Age,” was among the last generation of physicists equally at home in theory and experiment. In 1933, for example, he introduce...

Restorative Practices, Made Visible

Restorative Practices, Made Visible

Restorative Practices Posters Available for Download: 🔗 Download Posters At LAIRP, we’ve always believed that restorative practices don’t have to be complicated to be powerful. In...

The Power of

The Power of "Before": How Relational Leadership and Brain Science Transform School Culture

As a principal, my mission is clear: every decision we make, every strategy we implement, every ounce of energy we invest must ultimately benefit our scholars - both in their acade...

Maslow Before Bloom: Why Emotional Safety Precedes Academic Success

Maslow Before Bloom: Why Emotional Safety Precedes Academic Success

A few weeks ago, I received an email from a school district employee looking to work together with The Los Angeles Institute of Restorative Practices (LAIRP). What caught my attent...

Oppressive Language Curriculum: The Power of Words, Names, and History

Oppressive Language Curriculum: The Power of Words, Names, and History

This school year, more than many before, we are seeing an uptick in racial slurs and curse words being used by students. This shift is not just in high schools where, in the past, ...