In the recent textbook review by the federal What Works Clearinghouse, only one out of four elementary school math programs has received even a qualified nod from evaluators for its research record. The result shows that most major commercial textbooks can not yet muster the proof that they are any better than their competitors at improving…

The author combines principles of cooperative learning where older students at risk of dropping out are recruited to teach violence prevention to younger learners. The secondary students learn problem solving and conflict resolution skills while providing a positive model through cross age peer tutoring.