NCJ Number
160377
Date Published
1995
Length
50 pages
Annotation
This document presents refined instruments and a plan for evaluating school mediation programs, as well as the original instruments and 1986-87 evaluation report for the Mediation in the Schools Program of the New Mexico Center for Dispute Resolution.
Abstract
The program reached elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and a youth correctional facility. The evaluation design used in 1986-87 was the first experimental design used to evaluate school mediation programs. The results suggested that the program had a positive effect on the student mediators in the areas of problemsolving and conflict resolution skills, self-concept, and commitment to school. The program results were most impressive at the middle school level. The refined evaluation plan was based on the experience of the initial evaluation. The evaluation instruments were all tested for reliability and validity. The revised evaluation instruments are the Student Observation Form, the Conflict Opinion Scale for Teachers, and the Student Attitude About Conflict Scale. The student and teacher questionnaires are organized into subscales that assess a variety of skills or attitudes about conflicts. Users of these instruments are urged to work with trained evaluators who can carry out the data analysis. Tables, instruments, and order form