The self-evaluations summarized in this booklet were prepared by 50 different law-related education (LRE) programs throughout the United States in the spring of 1994. The purpose of the self-evaluation process was to assess the progress of the states towards institutionalization of citizenship education and LRE. The evaluations concluded that LRE…

Describes a nine-month study conducted in an urban middle school to attempt to reduce the level of aggression of a small group of seventh graders by assigning them a positive role as mediators to fifth- and sixth-grade disputants. Pretest and posttest measures of self-concept and teacher's perception of problem behavior showed dramatic…

After observing students learning to work out differences in conflict-resolution classes, a supervising administrator at a Connecticut high school began using his office wall as a backdrop for large posters representing model conflict-resolution practices. Posters define conflict; address ways to handle anger; discuss win-win strategies,…

Summarizes violence prevention programs and activities in five urban school systems. Chicago schools have hired their own security staffs, use cameras in hallways, and provide character education, peer mediation, and mentoring sessions. Buffalo and Memphis schools stress tight security measures and weapons confiscation. Baltimore schools and…

Suggests peer mediation as an alternative dispute resolution approach. Indicates the need to shift the focus from crisis intervention to prevention and to integrate dispute resolution skills into the school environment. (JOW)

Outlines 40 promising, low-cost strategies administrators can implement to make their campus safer. Success depends on establishing clear behavior standards, providing adequate adult supervision, enforcing rules fairly and consistently, cultivating parental and community support, and controlling campus access. A sidebar describes how to conduct a…

Much has been written about the adaptation from criminology of the "Broken Windows" theory of order maintenance in successful urban educational models. Yet, the manner in which the theory is written and discussed often misses the nuances and feel of the theory as successfully applied. This misunderstanding has lead to its conflation with the "Zero…

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…