NCJ Number
160455
Journal
Fourth R Volume: 57 Dated: (1995) Pages: 5,14-15
Date Published
1995
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This paper suggests how to garner support for, locate funding for, and implement district-wide school conflict- resolution programs.
Abstract
Gaining support for a district-wide, conflict-resolution program in schools can be achieved by yoking it to the current movement for school reform and improvement. Conflict-resolution programs are particularly relevant to the reform goals of making schools safer, improving school climate and culture, enhancing promising instructional and learning strategies, and fostering resilience in students. Once the argument has been developed that conflict-resolution programs are a logical part of school reform, enlist the help of school administrators and teachers as well as students in promoting the effort in the schools, major school meetings, and in the community. Linking conflict-resolution programs to school reform has the further benefit of gaining access to the funds set aside for school improvement. Grants from the government and private organizations will probably provide the bulk of the needed funding. Once a proposal has been developed and potential funding sources have been identified, getting the school board to approve the project is the first step in implementing it. Following such approval, further implementation steps include developing a supportive "cadre" at each school, encouraging mentoring and other leadership roles for the enthusiasts at each site, beginning mediation training, having teachers visit sites where conflict-resolution programs are underway, provide material to schools, and have open lines of communication for feedback on how implementation is progressing.