Conflict Resolution Education - National Criminal Justice Reference ...

Figure 7 presents a sample of a needs assessment
questionnaire. These questions are intended to help
the planning team think about the kind of information
needed to develop an action plan for establishing
a conflict resolution program. A sample conflict
resolution survey is presented in figure 8. A needs
assessment form is provided in appendix E.
Selecting Conflict Resolution
Education Programs/Curriculums
Once the goals and desired outcomes are clearly identified,
the planning team is ready to explore various
programs and curriculums that could be implemented
to achieve the outcomes. Many program and curriculum
resources are available (see appendix B for a
representative list). A form to help school personnel
determine whether a conflict resolution program or
curriculum meets the criteria set forth in this Guide
and how well it matches the needs and resources of
the school is provided in appendix F. Specifically, the
form facilitates assessment of:
♦ The extent to which the concept of conflict
resolution is advanced.
♦ The extent to which the foundation abilities for
conflict resolution are developed.
♦ The extent to which the fundamental principles
of conflict resolution are incorporated into the
curriculum.
♦ The extent to which problem-solving strategies
are used and modeled by adults.
♦ The kinds of learning strategies that deliver the
conflict resolution program to students.
♦ The various implementation components of
conflict resolution.
In addition to a written assessment, it may be helpful
to talk with individuals who have used the programs
and curriculums being considered. Asking
questions about what has worked, what has not
worked, and why can provide information that will
focus the selection process. Also, materials should be
previewed to be sure that they are age appropriate.
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Often schools combine various curriculums or portions
of curriculums to create their own programs.
Implementing Conflict Resolution
Education
There are many ways to introduce conflict resolution
education. Students tend to learn to resolve
conflicts best through experiential learning activities
incorporated into specific curriculum areas (English
or social studies, for example) and through seeing
adults model conflict resolution successfully. An
individual classroom teacher can provide conflict
resolution training for the students of that classroom
through a process curriculum or a peaceable classroom
approach. Several staff can develop and implement
a schoolwide peer mediation program. All
staff members can agree to implement one of the
problem-solving strategies of conflict resolution—
perhaps negotiation or consensus decisionmaking—
in every classroom of the school. The entire school
community can decide to commit to the long-term
development of a peaceable school, with the commitment
eventually reaching beyond the school to
the creation of peaceable homes and a peaceable
community.
A high school can decide that all ninth grade students
will be taught conflict resolution skills over a 10-week
period. English teachers can integrate conflict resolution
into their curriculum during one class per week
and then expand the weekly lesson into their other
lessons during the week. School counselors and administrators
often co-teach with the classroom teacher
to provide mutual support for the teaching of conflict
resolution skills and strategies.
Selecting Staff Development
Providers/Trainers
Regardless of which program or curriculum is chosen,
it is important to select staff development providers
carefully. Quality trainers are experienced
in resolving conflicts in schools and in implementing
programs in schools. The forms in appendix G can
help school personnel to assess the offerings and