School Just Discipline Project (JDP): Reducing Racial Disparities and Promoting Positive School Climate

This $3.6 million project, funded by the Department of Education and led by Professor Ming-Te Wang, will implement, evaluate, and refine the Just Discipline Project (JDP) model. This school-wide restorative practice program is designed to improve students’ academic achievement by reducing racial disparities in school disciplinary practices, fostering socioemotional competencies, and creating a fair, inclusive school climate. JDP’s innovative approach situates restorative practices in socioemotional learning and relational climate frameworks with an explicit focus on addressing issues of equity, culture, and bias in the school community.