Summit Will Feature Educators from Across Alaska
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 28, 2016
Anchorage – Representative Geran Tarr (D-Anchorage) will host a “Restorative Justice Summit” December 2nd and 3rd in Anchorage with a goal of outlining new techniques that educators can use to mitigate the number of students disciplined for misbehavior in Alaska’s public schools. The restorative justice blueprint is based on promoting academic achievement and positive behavior through a welcoming and safe environment.
“Restorative justice encompasses a new approach to student discipline that values compassion and inclusion rather than overly harsh disciplinary measures that often set kids back academically and makes them feel inferior,” said Rep. Tarr. “The research shows that most kids respond better when they are shown trust and included in positive social relationships.”
This week’s summit will feature Restorative Justice Trainer and Implementation Specialist Kerri Berkowitz, who will offer case studies and techniques to educators from across the state. The summit will also include Jeff May, a faculty member with the University of Alaska Justice Department.
The keynote lunch event on December 2nd will include community, educator, and student presentations. Participants will include Anchorage teacher Wiley Bland with the Step-Up School in Anchorage and the Alaska Division of Juvenile Justice, students from the Pacific Alternative High School in Sitka and the Yaakoosge Daakahidi Alternative High School in Juneau, former Alaska Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee members Jasmin Smith, and community leader Kokayi Nosakhere.
The Restorative Justice Summit is open to educators and those who work with children in Alaska. It will be held at the YWCA Anchorage on December 2nd and 3rd.
For more information or to RSVP, please contact Celeste Novak in Representative Tarr’s office at (907) 269-4049.
WHO: Rep. Geran Tarr, restorative justice specialist Kerri Berkowitz, and Jeff May with the University of Alaska’s Justice Department
WHAT: Restorative Justice Summit
WHERE: YWCA Anchorage, 324 E. 5th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501
WHEN: December 2nd from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and December 3 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
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