Schools resolve conflicts by getting kids to talk things out (pbs.org)

Schools across the country are moving away from an era of zero-tolerance policies and shifting toward methods that involve restorative justice, encouraging students to resolve their differences by talking to each other rather than resorting to violence. In New York City, five schools that have implemented this system are already seeing results. NewsHour Weekend's Megan Thompson reports.

In a 9th grade civics class in Brooklyn, New York, Erica Wright is encouraging students to talk to each other and build trust.. It is part of a new program known as “Restorative Justice”. A team from the nonprofit Center for Court Innovation” works at the high schools on Canarsie Educational Campus where the majority of the students qualify for free or reduced price lunch. The campus is in an area that has traditionally had one of the highest suspension rates in the city.

To read Laura Fong and Connie Kargbo's full transcript and/or audio clip, please click here.