This book explores conflict resolution strategies and presents a systematic approach to mediation for peer helpers. The first part examines conflict resolution. Internal and external sources of conflict are considered. Irritations, inappropriate expectations, and unknown sources of external conflict are examined. A section on looking inside…

School districts in Texas have used the same grievance procedure for approximately 20 years. In response to general dissatisfaction throughout the Socorro Independent School District (SISD) in El Paso, Texas, the district developed a new, user-friendly grievance procedure. This paper describes the use of peer mediation and arbitration to resolve…

This brief presents the assumptions underlying the approach taken by the International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution, Teachers College, Columbia University, in creating a nonviolent school. It also provides specific program components that schools can implement. The approach is based on the recognition that violence is a function…

Discusses results of an evaluation of the conflict-resolution/student-mediation program in region II of the Dade County (Florida) Public Schools during 1992-93. Describes staff training, conflict-resolution instruction for students, the nature and extent of student mediation, and measurable program results. Although school behavior indicators…

Peer mediation is one of hundreds of programs schools are using to enhance security or prevent violence. The Winning Against Violent Environments (WAVE) conflict-resolution program in Cleveland, Ohio, is one of the oldest in the country. Lists seven sources of information. (MLF)

Discusses the experiences of elementary school student mediators and their perspectives about their role as mediators. Highlights mediators' perspectives of their training to provide school counselors with practical information on ways to improve school-based mediation. Findings suggest that the mediation training sessions provided children with a…

To reduce violent behavior in the schools, the problem must be identified and the administration must set a positive tone for students and staff by focusing on four areas: (1) turn cynical attitudes into hopeful ones, (2) welcome all students, (3) replace discipline based on rewards and punishment with teaching values; and (4) ask students to…

Growing out of Northern Ireland's 1980s Peace Education Project (aimed at breaking down Protestant/Catholic barriers), the Education for Mutual Understanding initiative focuses first on helping schoolchildren deal with everyday conflicts in their lives. EMU uses conflict resolution and peer mediation to help schools organize into learning…

Expulsion is commonly schools' last resort to maintain discipline and keep schools safe. But increasingly, educators are turning to "restorative justice"--an alternative method from the field of criminology--with promising results. According to Randall Comfort, assistant upper-school director, Mounds Park Academy, St. Paul, Minnesota, using this…

Mediation is an essential component of custody evaluation and reconciliation services in domestic courts. Data from 306 couples with and without a reported history of domestic violence (DV) who were ordered to attend an assessment for mediation were analyzed to determine differences in the mediation process. More than one third reported a history…

This article describes the methodology and program effects of a multicomponent model of interventions designed to prevent antisocial behaviour in secondary school students. Interventions included cooperative learning, classroom management, and peer tutoring, mentoring, and mediation. Data from the Secondary Schools Demonstration Project (SSDP)…

The effectiveness of an existing peer mediation program in a diverse, suburban elementary school was examined. Peer mediation was available to all students (N = 825). Three-year longitudinal data showed significant reductions in the school's out-of-school suspensions after implementation of the peer mediation program. Mediation training also…

Breaking from traditional adult-centered models of interpersonal conflict by privileging children's experiences, a study examined children's experiences of and reactions to conflict. As part of an assessment for establishing a school-based peer mediation program, focus group interviews were conducted with second graders through high school…

This videotape demonstrates environments and several teaching strategies in the area of child-focused practices recommended by the Council for Exceptional Children's Division for Early Childhood. The strategies were selected based on a literature review and input from focus groups of parents and teachers on what promotes learning for young…

Profiles Ann Blakeney Clark, dynamic North Carolina middle school principal who knows her 750 students by name, insists on individualized education plans, carefully matches students with appropriate teachers. Clark's walk-around management style allows her to catch students and teachers in act of doing things right. Having instituted team teaching…