California Department of Education
Taking Center Stage – Act II

Conflict resolution

Effective schools teach students how to resolve problems instead of resorting to violence. Many schools employ the school counselor to teach peer counselors and peer mediators how to assist in conflict resolution between fellow students.

In the Spotlight

McKinleyville Middle School (PDF; Outside Source), a Schools to Watch™-Taking Center Stage 2006 model, McKinleyville Union Elementary School District. In addition to strong service-learning and counseling programs, McKinleyville teaches student mediators to help resolve conflicts among peers. The school also runs both an anti-bullying program and a character education program.1 McKinleyville DataQuest School Profile.

Richard Henry Dana Middle School (PDF; Outside Source), a Schools to Watch™-Taking Center Stage 2006 model, Wiseburn Elementary School District. A full-time counselor works with students and their families and coordinates a conflict resolution program. To meet the growing social and emotional concerns of middle school students, the school developed a peer mediator program.2 Richard Henry Dana DataQuest School Profile.

Related Links

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Footnotes
1Joyce Hinkson, “McKinleyville Middle School: Three-Period Core Block Fosters the Learning Community,” Middle Grades Spotlight (Spring 2006), p. 11.
2Joyce Hinkson, “Richard Henry Dana Middle School: Teaming Builds an Unwavering Commitment to Achievement,” Middle Grades Spotlight (Spring 2006), p. 14.

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