Creating the Peaceable School: A ComprehensiveProgram for Teaching Conflict Resolution-------------------------------ForewordSafe and orderly environments in our Nation'sschools are essential to promoting high standardsfor learning and ensuring that all children havethe opportunity to develop to their fullestpotential. No teacher should ever fear to walk intoa classroom, and no child should ever stay homefrom school because he or she is afraid. Too often,however, young people face conflicts before,during, and after school. They are subjected tobullying, teasing, and senseless, sometimes fatal,disputes over clothing and other possessions. Manyof these conflicts either begin at school, or theyare brought into school from the home or thecommunity.A growing body of evidence suggests that we are notpowerless to prevent these destructive behaviors.We can intervene successfully to prevent conflictsfrom escalating into violent acts by providingyoung people with the knowledge and skills neededto settle disputes peacefully. Conflict resolutioneducation can help bring about significantreductions in suspensions, disciplinary referrals,academic disruptions, playground fights, and familyand sibling disputes. It is important to understandthat conflict resolution education is a criticalcomponent of comprehensive, community-based effortsto prevent violence and reduce crime.Conflict Resolution Education: A Guide toImplementing Programs in Schools, Youth-ServingOrganizations, and Community and Juvenile JusticeSettings was developed for educators, juvenilejustice practitioners, and others in youth-servingorganizations to heighten awareness of conflictresolution education and its potential to helpsettle disputes peacefully in a variety ofsettings. A joint project of the U.S. Department ofJustice and the U.S. Department of Education, thisGuide provides background information on conflictresolution education; an overview of four widelyused, promising, and effective approaches; andguidance on how to initiate and implement conflictresolution education programs in various settings.As adults, we cannot solve young people's problemsfor them. We can, however, provide them with theknowledge, skills, and encouragement to resolveconflicts in a nonviolent manner, using wordsinstead of fists or weapons. Conflict resolutioneducation includes negotiation, mediation, and
Leave a Comment