This paper examines a school-based behavioral intervention called the GROWTH program (Gaining Reflective Outcomes With Total Harmony) through three distinct perspectives: teacher, student, and administrator. Using a journal-entry format, each stakeholder reflects on their experience with the program following a bullying incident on the school playground. The paper explores how GROWTH replaces punitive measures such as detention with restorative practices — including written reflections and apology letters — while also raising concerns about consistent enforcement and the challenges of measuring long-term program efficacy. Together, the three voices offer a nuanced, evidence-grounded assessment of the program's strengths and limitations.
The following journal entries document the first week of participation in the GROWTH program (Gaining Reflective Outcomes With Total Harmony), a school-based restorative practices initiative designed to address student misconduct through accountability, reflection, and behavioral monitoring rather than traditional punitive discipline.
This has been my first week participating in the GROWTH program. One of my students, Tom, was accused of bullying a younger student on the playground and was required to complete a GROWTH Center Reflection Sheet consisting of several essay questions. He then had to write an apology letter to the student he had bullied.
As part of my role in GROWTH and the ongoing monitoring of program efficacy, Tom was one of the randomly selected GROWTH students to receive a weekly progress sheet. I was required to assign him a letter grade for a list of specific behaviors and classwork items, then tabulate the total points he accumulated by the end of the week. Because he did not receive any N's or U's, I was able to make a "good" phone call home to his parent. Tom's behavior was satisfactory on all counts.
However, this method makes it difficult to assess the efficacy of GROWTH over the long term, since the assessment covered only a single week. Additionally, Tom's problematic behavior occurred on the playground rather than in the classroom, which further complicates behavioral evaluation. As part of the disposition of scholarship, this university has long been committed to evidence-based and data-driven instruction; the program's design is intended to ensure that the moral education of students is monitored in the same rigorous fashion.
"Student reflects on bullying incident and fairness"
"Administrator evaluates restorative discipline outcomes"
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