Ashley McGuire brings Restorative Practices to schools around the country

The San Diego Union Tribune: By NINA GARIN

Interview Flashback - May 12, 2015

When a student misbehaves at school, they’re often sent to the principal’s office or even suspended.

But that’s not the disciplinary technique approved by Ashley McGuire. She’s the founder and executive director of LifePlay, a locally based organization that uses the arts and play to foster community — and ultimately good behavior — in classrooms.

It’s a philosophy called Restorative Practices, and school districts in Oakland, San Francisco, Denver, Philadelphia and others have seen fewer suspensions and expulsions because of it.

This weekend, McGuire will be running a Restorative Practices workshop in Sorrento Valley that’s open to both educators and parents.

McGuire, 43, began working with teens as a camp counselor and has been practicing these philosophies for years. The Pe?asquitos Canyon resident, who moved to San Diego from Georgia in 1998, explains how Restorative Practices works.

Q: How would you explain what you do to someone who doesn’t know anything about education?

A: We at LifePlay believe that every person has a particular intelligence that is waiting to be tapped. We believe in approaching every student, regardless of age, with individualized attention, a playful approach, judgment-free communication, mutual respect, and a consistent, gentle push to move to the edge of their comfort zone for increased learning. Through Restorative Practices, we are restoring our classrooms to a peaceful, supportive, calm, and successful learning environment. Through these simple and effective practices, we reduce anxiety, conflict and hostility while improving relationships with students, parents and the school/district community.

Q: How is it taught?

A: All participants use empowering, empathetic and nonjudgmental language, engage in the belief that everyone is able to be a positive contributor to the community, and make use of classroom circles for celebration, conflict resolution and curriculum delivery. Teachers and students develop a set of language, reframing negative patterns into positive ones, and engaging the use of questioning frequently.

Q: What do you say to those who think you are being too nice or not strict enough?

A: If we have a student who is doing poorly at math, we coach and guide him to improve. If we have a student doing poorly in language arts, we provide the necessary tools for her to become more successful. It only makes sense that if a student is struggling with behavioral issues we choose to coach and guide expertly, rather than depending on punitive measures to change the student’s behavior. Sometimes there is an assumption of Restorative Practices that it is a permissive philosophy. In fact, it is a set of practices that is very old-knowledge at its core and very traditional in its approach.

Q: What was discipline like for you when you were going to school?

A: I spent most of my life in schools with a strict disciplinary policy, with exposure periodically to the rare educator who believed in empowering a community in the classroom. I was deeply and positively affected by the educators I met who believed that my voice was valid, that I could and would be a successful contributor to my community, and who listened to what I had to say. I experienced and witnessed many injustices during my time in school, including corporal punishment, and from a very young age became acutely aware of the flaws in our punitive-focused education system.

Q: Why do you think bullying and conflict continues to be such a big issue?

A: Bullying is a huge issue because of the long-lasting damage it creates that causes a ripple effect for the lifetimes of everyone involved, regardless of their role in the situation. When you have a community that does not place a high value on positive communication and mutual respect, but instead praises and uplifts those who engage in narcissistic, aggressive, and emotionally degraded activities, you have a tendency for high conflict.

Q: What is the best advice you ever received?

A: I have been often told to listen to my instincts, to trust my intuition, and to believe that I had something significant to contribute to my world. This has been so useful at times when I have had self-doubt, or have been in a difficult relationship, or had questions I could not answer. This advice reminds me to quiet my mind, look inward, and trust myself.

Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to find out about you?

A: I’m a geek-girl. I love learning about technology (Wired magazine is one of my favorite reads), I adore science fiction in all of its forms, and have been a regular attendee of Comic-Con for more than a decade.

Q: Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend.

A: My perfect weekend starts with an early-morning hike through Pe?asquitos Canyon, followed by an afternoon at Belmont Park for fun and games with my husband and two kids, with dinner at a beach-front restaurant, followed by an awesome local improv show. My perfect Sunday starts with a walk on the cliffs over La Jolla, a stroll through the museums of Balboa Park, and a romantic dinner at Urban Solace in North Park.

What I love about Pe?asquitos Canyon ...

My neighborhood is full of active people and families playing together. My children can walk to the local park, which is a beautiful peninsula jutting into the canyon, with expansive views. My closest neighbors have all become friends and we gather weekly on Fridays to chat about our week, celebrate news together, and support each other in challenging times. My neighborhood feels connected and safe, and because of the way it’s positioned on the canyon, it has low city noise and a large presence of nature.

About Ashley McGuire; Today, Ashley is a Professional Keynote Speaker and Peacemaker Consultant who advocates for families, organizations and communities on Restorative work -transforming conflict and building strong connections. Her work has been recognized regionally for its innovation, engagement and effectiveness.

? For media, appearances and speaking engagements - Booking Ashley McGuire or to provide Restorative work for your organization - Contact Luminary Leaders:

Direct (909) 519-3712 - luminaryleaders@gmail.com