Conflict Management in Schools: Sowing Seeds for a Safer Society

• NCJ Number: 149714
• Author(s): T Wheeler; J Stephens; S Kaufman; C Carlson
• Date Published: 1994
• Length: 32 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services; Ohio Cmssn On Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management
• Publication Type: Program Description (Demonstrative)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Final Report of the School Conflict Management Demonstration Project 1990-1993

Annotation

In August 1990, the Ohio Commission on Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management launched a 3-year demonstration project in which 20 schools were selected to assess the impact of conflict management programs.

Abstract

Information was gathered from school questionnaires, disciplinary reports, and telephone interviews. Overall, most students who participated in conflict management programs improved their attitudes toward conflict, increased their understanding of nonviolent problem-solving methods, and enhanced their communication skills. Several schools had positive changes in disciplinary actions and the school climate. Both teachers and counselors also benefited from participation in conflict management programs, student mediators gained self-confidence, and the home behavior of students improved. As of April 1993, more than 200 urban, suburban, and rural Ohio schools had implemented some form of conflict management in their curricula. Basic principles of school conflict management programs are outlined, and mediation, classroom, and comprehensive approaches to conflict management in schools are described. School conflict management programs in New Mexico, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin are also noted. Illustrations