District 99 details PATH restorative program and academic-integrity modules
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Summary
PATH coordinators told the board PATH (Pause, Act, Think, Heal) is a three-day restorative alternative to out-of-school suspension with 4–6 weeks of follow-up monitoring; district reported 2024–25 PATH 'success' rates of 81% (North) and 83% (South) and described new academic-integrity modules addressing cheating and unauthorized AI use.
District 99 PATH coordinators presented an overview of the district’s restorative alternative to out-of-school suspension and updates to the academic-integrity process at the Dec. 15 board meeting.
Nicole Wallace and Andy Goldberg described PATH as a three-day, in-school intervention using restorative practices and relationship-building designed to keep students engaged in learning while addressing gross misconduct (B-code offenses such as fighting, possession or influence of illegal substances and small-scale weapons). Wallace outlined the model: "PATH stands for Pause, Act, Think, and Heal," and said students participate in reflection, goal-setting and a return-to-learn plan that staff monitor for 4–6 weeks after the initial intervention.
Coordinators presented 2024–25 program outcomes, reporting that Downers Grove North had an 81% success rate and Downers Grove South had an 83% success rate (defined as no repeat B-code violations during follow-up). Board members praised the focus on relationships and keeping students in school.
Staff also described a new academic-integrity process intended to address cheating and unauthorized use of AI: a two-part module for a first offense (an online Edpuzzle module plus a handwritten reflection letter to the affected teacher) and an additional module for a second offense. Coordinators said the second-offense letter prompts students to explain why they cheated and to identify supports and next steps. They noted the academic-integrity approach uses PATH-style restorative practices to support reflection and repair.
Coordinators invited the board and public to an annual parent-teacher advisory meeting in April or early May to review PATH data, attendance and related consolidated-district-plan metrics.
The presentation was followed by board questions about program duration and outcomes; coordinators said PATH has been in the district for several years and emphasized ongoing refinements to the academic-integrity modules.