Congratulations to Sharon O’Grady who on Thursday, May 14, 2026, successfully defended her dissertation proposal.
The title of Sharon’s dissertation is, "BUILDING BELONGING: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF CULTURAL AND RELATIONAL CONDITIONS THAT SUSTAIN RESTORATIVE PRACTICES IN SCHOOL COMMUNITIES."
Overview of Problem: While restorative practices have grown in use as alternatives to exclusionary discipline, existing research has largely focused on short-term outcomes, with limited understanding of how these practices are sustained over time. As a result, there is a gap in the literature regarding the organizational and relational conditions that support the long-term integration of restorative practices into daily school routines and culture.
Research Purpose: The purpose of this study will be to explore how institutional structures, staff relationships, shared norms, and relational conditions shape the sustained implementation of restorative practices within a school district. Grounded in Institutional Theory and Relational-Cultural Theory, it will frame sustainability as both an organizational and relational process, influenced by policies, leadership practices, professional learning, and educators’ experiences of belonging and connection.
Research Design: This study will use an explanatory qualitative research design, guided by reflexive thematic analysis, to examine educator perspectives on the sustainability of restorative practices. This approach will allow for an in-depth exploration of how participants make meaning of their experiences and the conditions that support or challenge sustained implementation.
Sample: The study will include a purposefully selected sample of building leaders and teachers with direct experience leading and supporting the sustained implementation of restorative practices within their schools or districts.
Data Collection: Data will be collected through semi-structured interviews conducted via Zoom, along with document analysis of materials such as discipline policies, guidelines, and professional learning resources. Interviews will be audio-recorded and transcribed to support systematic analysis, and multiple data sources will be used to strengthen the depth and credibility of the findings.
Dissertation Committee Chair:
Dr. Kenneth Mitchell
Dissertation Committee Members:
Dr. Joanne Marien
Dr. Tina Wilson
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