NCJ Number
160060
Date Published
1995
Length
74 pages
Annotation
This report presents the evaluation methodology and findings for New Mexico's Mediation in the Schools Program.
Abstract
One of the evaluation instruments updates basic demographic and descriptive statistical information about the program as it is implemented in schools throughout the State, and another instrument is designed to identify the level of implementation and program impact as perceived by school administrators (primarily principals) and program coordinators. A third instrument compares findings regarding level of use and impact of the mediation program between "program" and "non-program" schools. Two instruments compare students' experiences with and perceptions about the program. One instrument was administered to students trained as mediators, and another was administered to students who had not been trained as mediators. Study results show that staff and students have positive feelings about the Mediation in the Schools Program. The program is effective in providing students with constructive alternative approaches to conflict resolution. This, in turn, has reduced the time that staff members spend dealing with conflicts. It has also apparently reduced incidents of violence among students. Impact on school climate is also a notable effect of the program. Some suggestions for improvement from teachers, students, and evaluators pertain to increasing training opportunities, expanding curriculum use, keeping students actively engaged in the program, involving parents to a greater extent, continuing the district team approach, and providing adequate resources for program implementation. Extensive tables and figures and appended survey instruments and statistics sheet data summaries