NCJ Number
149673
Journal
Forum Issue: 25 Dated: (Spring 1994) Pages: 8-14
Date Published
1994
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article describes the Resolving Conflict Creatively Program (RCCP) as a promising program for preventing violence in schools and in communities.
Abstract
RCCP is a school-based conflict resolution and mediation program started in the New York City public schools in 1985 and jointly sponsored by Educators for Social Responsibility. What most distinguishes RCCP from other prevention programs is its focus on creating school change. By creating a "peaceable school," a safe environment where students are encouraged to experiment with peaceful ways of resolving conflict, RCCP teachers intend to give their students a new image of what the school environment and the broader community can be. The RCCP curriculum emphasizes the modeling of nonviolent alternatives for dealing with conflict, teaching negotiation and other conflict-resolution skills, and demonstrating to students that they can be instrumental in preventing violence. It includes a student-led mediation program and a parent's program. Evaluation of RCCP has shown enthusiasm for the program among RCCP teachers, reported decreases of violence among students, and increased student knowledge of the key concepts of conflict resolution. The author suggests ways in which school administrators and teachers can extend RCCP concepts into the community outside the schools. 20 references