NCJ Number
100846
Journal
Missouri Journal of Dispute Resolution Volume: 1985 Dated: (1985) Pages: 121-139
Date Published
1985
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This paper describes and assesses three school programs in San Francisco, New York City, and Hawaii which train students to mediate school-based disputes.
Abstract
Ten reasons stated for promoting such school programs include the importance of learning constructive conflict resolution techniques, the need to develop a wider range of methods for resolving school-based disputes, and the positive impact of dispute mediation on the school climate. Descriptions of the three programs cover the procedure for selecting schools to participate in the pilot programs, general program design, selection of students to be trained as mediators, the training program, and mediation guidelines used in each program. The internal evaluations used by the programs are also described along with evaluation findings for each program. A summary of recommendations for such programs indicates that an essential ingredient is a committed, capable coordinator with sufficient time to devote to the program. The active support of school administrators is also required. It is recommended that pilot programs be carefully evaluated before launching a systemwide program. 58 footnotes.