This report of the Ombudsman at Cornell University discusses: the composition of the staff; the volume of work; the sources of the complaints (the office serves the whole University community); the classification of complaints by subject, and source of complaints by College or Agency; the procedures used in handling the complaints; the types of…

How TV programs that prepare students for life's decisions are produced. (HB)

This report by the campus ombudsman at San Diego State College discusses in the preface some ways of approaching the position and the elements to be included in prospective job descriptions. The report begins with a description of the kind of person needed for such a position, how to establish the office and choose the man, the type of office…

The office of Ombudsman at San Jose State College was created as a response to a series of demonstrations by the black community protesting discrimination experienced on and around campus. The Ombudsman was to "search out and facilitate the removal of discrimination of the basis of race, creed, or national origin" wherever it occurred.…

Contends that peer mediation offers a way for students to settle disagreements without violence and without involving the traditional system of school discipline. Discusses brief background about peer mediation, then presents one high school mediation program that has been implemented and evaluated. Outlines step-by-step approach to implement a…

Findings of a California secondary school survey of procedures for solving students' problems are presented here, along with recommendations for designing an effective problem-solving mechanism. (Author)

Calls attention to a process of social negotiation in specific contexts between the distressed person and those with whom he/she is involved that shapes the way troublesome events are progressively understood. (Author/AM)

Describes elephant experience as situation which person is unable to integrate. Discusses ways in which school personnel can help student to cope more effectively by understanding the symptoms, sources, and process of using experience constructively. (CJ)

In "creative listening" sessions, participants alternately present their ideas (for fixed periods of time) and listen silently to the other participants. This paper examines the value of this method as an aid to problem solving and offers suggestions for teachers serving as mediators and participants in creative listening sessions. It describes…

Divided into five parts, this book examines some of the conflicts that Canadian children face on a daily basis and explores ways that adults can help children address these challenges. Chapter 1 looks at the causes behind conflicts, and examines some of the concepts concerning conflict and conflict resolution. Chapter 2 discusses self-esteem, what…

Provides guidelines for educators to prepare for potentially difficult parent conferences and to conduct them to a successful conclusion. Suggestions include anticipating concerns, accentuating the positive, listening to parents, being truthful, being firm, being polite, offering solutions and assistance, asking for suggestions, admitting…

A fairness committee consists of a group of about 15 people, usually students, teachers, and administrators, who are either volunteers or are elected. This committee tries to improve the overall school climate by improving the quality of relationships between students, teachers, and administrators. It offers a neutral place for individuals to…

This research project implemented and evaluated a program in interpersonal skill development designed to increase the use of applied social skills at a middle school located in northeast Illinois. Evidence of inappropriate interpersonal skills was gathered by using observation checklists, teacher and student surveys, and discipline referrals.…

This action research project implemented and evaluated a program to enhance students' prosocial behaviors. The targeted population consisted of students in two second and one third-grade classrooms in a declining urban area of a large midwestern city. The problem of inappropriate behaviors was documented through discipline reports, anecdotal…

According to the U.S. Department of Education, 39% of public school students were considered to be part of a minority group in 2000, as opposed to just 22% in 1972. Although the increased diversity offers many opportunities for staff members and students to learn from one another, not all members of the school community adjust quickly to a…