Oakland's Restorative Justice Program Could Serve as Model for California's Schools

Last year, California became the first state in the nation to pass a law to limit suspensions because of "willful defiance." That's a catch-all category that includes minor misbehaviors like talking back to a teacher. School districts across the state are now adopting a program called Restorative Justice, which aims to reduce suspensions by teaching students how to resolve conflicts instead of acting out. Oakland has tried the program for several years, and releases new data today on how the program is doing.