In addition to helping individual schools become more restorative and healing places, the PSC works at the state, district, and local level to advocate for changes in policy and practice. Here are some of the actions that the PSC took during the 2019-2020 school year:
- Chaired the Baltimore School Climate Collaborative (BSCC) with a focus on diversifying the organizations that both present at and attend meetings to better reflect Baltimore’s educational community. Since becoming the chair in February 2019, the PSC has more than doubled the number of people attending the gatherings, including successfully transitioning the meetings to a virtual space. The PSC has also created a monthly newsletter to disseminate information about job openings, new funding opportunities, resources for students and communities, and opportunities to learn or collaborate.
- Collaborated in the Coalition to Reform School Discipline (CRSD) and assumed leadership of the Positive Vision committee. The PSC made key contributions to this group of advocates by more clearly articulating and defining restorative alternatives to punitive discipline practices.
- Advocated for legislation supporting Restorative Approaches and Trauma-Informed Practices in schools. This legislative session, the PSC testified on behalf of several bills that would provide guidance and funding to implement the recommendations made by the Maryland Commission on the School-to-Prison Pipeline and Restorative Practices, of which the PSC was an appointed member. Unfortunately, due to the early end of the 2020 General Assembly, the legislation was stalled. However, the PSC remains committed to organizing efforts including written and oral testimony during the 2021 session.
- Promoted justice-driven social work graduate education. With the support of PSC staff, social work graduate students provided direct support to students, families, and teachers; offered testimony before the Maryland legislature; lobbied state lawmakers; and led a city-wide organizing effort to mobilize citizens to vote and participate in this year’s census. Take a moment to read an editorial by one of last year’s graduate interns.
- Honored as Outstanding University of Maryland, Baltimore Faculty/Unit during the Martin Luther King Jr. and Black History Month Celebration for its work to improve school climate in Baltimore City, teach less punitive approaches to discipline, and strengthen conversations around racial justice and equity.
- Honored with UMB Catalyst for Excellence Award during the 2020 UMB Founders Week Gala. The Positive Schools Center was selected for exemplifying powerful advocacy for success, achievement, and philanthropy for the School of Social Work, all through the lens of social, racial, and economic justice.
