Peer relations during middle childhood and adolescence are an important part of children's social and emotional development. Children and adolescents pick up essential social and communication skills from their peers as they move into late adolescence and early adulthood. Peer conflict is not necessarily a bad thing; disagreement and conflict are…

This discussion of potential uses of mediation as a management and communication tool focuses on the library setting. The nature of conflict is considered, and the concept, basic principles, and applications of mediation as a form of conflict resolution are presented. The four steps in the mediation process are then described: (1) Introduction,…

This booklet explains some of the basic characteristics and functions of third-party consultations, a problem-solving model in which community intergroup conflicts are resolved with the assistance of a third party in a face-to-face interchange and problem-solving process. The guide, intended for use by consultants, is divided into eight sections.…

Advocates at grievance arbitrations should know the requirements for challenging arbitrator jurisdiction, especially timeliness; should know the procedural safeguards in the contract that must be followed in order to sustain discipline; should know the theory of the case; and should realize that techniques of presentation may be important.…

Basic characteristics and factors in conflict and conflict management in the context of institutions of higher education are examined, particularly as they interact in the context of a higher education institution. Drawing on the literature, trends in conflict management approaches, reasons for conflict, and results of conflict are identified.…

This article presents a brief overview of the current forms of alternative dispute resolution available in educational settings, along with insight into their development and success. In this article, I assess the influence of early alternative dispute resolution procedures in terms of their relevance to the settlement of conflicts within schools…

The paper examines the issues and process involved in mediation of special education disputes. Mediation is an informal, optional procedure that may save time, money, and emotional strain for both staff and parents. Issues should not be mediated if there is no willingness to accept the mediation decision. Mediation should begin after all efforts…

Most contracts allow personal leaves for teachers. Guidelines for administrator interpretation of these provisions are based on actual arbitration awards. (Author/MLF)

Negotiation skills training-- the whats, whys, and hows of helping others get what they want--is examined, along with how to use such skills to solve problems. The following areas are covered: positive negotiation; setting objectives, strategies, and tactics; asking, looking, and listening; and negotiation skills research findings. (CT)

Introductory exercises designed to increase high school students' awareness of conflict and of mediation and negotiation as conflict resolution skills are presented. When conflicts arise, students should have the skills to identify the issues and interests of the parties and to see the possibilities to be gained through collaborative…

The study described in this report analyzed the status of grievance procedures in the Illinois community colleges that engage in collective bargaining. Following an introductory chapter offering a rationale for the study, chapter 2 provides an analysis of existing grievance procedures in the colleges based on a study of the collective bargaining…

Grievance procedures must be fast and fair to satisfy everyone and to disrupt the normal workflow as little as possible. The following factors help make for effective procedures: (1) binding arbitration, because it is orderly and unbiased; (2) contributions to contract language by the contract administrators; (3) absolute honesty about contract…

The paper addresses practical issues involved for building principals in mediating to determine the most "free appropriate public education" for handicapped children and avoiding due process hearings. Mediation is viewed as an ongoing process, and the harmful effects of legal battles over a child's placement or evaluation are noted. The paper…

Eighteen suggestions for reducing or even preventing grievance arbitration costs are detailed under negotiating the contract, administering the contract, and preparing for arbitration categories. (KS)

New and incumbent presidents sometimes are reticent about discussing the specifics of compensation and benefit packages. Third-party negotiators might help bring these issues into the open. A negotiation process and nine specific topics for inclusion in negotiation discussions are outlined. (Author/MSE)