After observing students learning to work out differences in conflict-resolution classes, a supervising administrator at a Connecticut high school began using his office wall as a backdrop for large posters representing model conflict-resolution practices. Posters define conflict; address ways to handle anger; discuss win-win strategies,…

Outlines the new movement to teach conflict resolution in schools nationwide. It teaches students how to resolve their differences peaceably in an increasingly violent world. Includes a sidebar with a resource listing. (MD)

Learning to balance "outersense" and "innersense" is a complex task for adolescents and the focus of one secondary school's social and emotional learning program. Understanding innersense helps students gain outlets for priority interests, master conflict resolution, build personal direction for college and vocational interests, and empathize with…

A modified Delphi Technique can be used to reach consensus in decision making and conflict resolution. Such an approach was used in the Paramus (New Jersey) Public Schools to resolve a conflict between principals and a committee of parents, students, and specialists concerning a program for gifted and talented students. (Author/MLF)

To help adolescents resolve problems with self-esteem, communication, conflict resolution, sex roles, and expectations, the author (a former divorce counselor) developed Dynamics of Relationships program allowing youngsters a chance to talk openly about sensitive personal issues. Piloted in Washington, D.C., schools, the program depends on…

Students attending a Minnesota school in a middle-class neighborhood are finding that cooperation, conflict resolution, and civic values are creating a safe haven from the stresses of family and neighborhood life. Students have two innovative programs (Continuous Progress and Discovery) to choose from. Highlands Elementary nurtures its students…

Leaders have three classic responses to discord. Authors Robert Feirsen and Seth Weitzman call them the 3 "A's"--avoidance, attack, and addressing. They make the case that the third one--addressing conflict--is the healthiest way for leaders to solve problems and promote a positive school culture.

This article discusses the importance of teachers validating a student's feelings and helping them find a voice to express those feelings. When teachers play that role, they are offering that student the chance to cultivate deeper social-emotional skills and close the gap between the intent of their words and actions and the resulting impact on…

Authors and education consultants Jane Kise and Ann C. Holm explore how teachers and leaders can treat challenges facing their schools as "polarities" which require regular work and attention to the needs of the entire community, as opposed to quick, one-time fixes. This approach not only provides more effective solutions to ingrained…

The presence of trust can enhance an organization's efforts to fulfill its mission, and the lack of trust can constrict those efforts. The authors offer four essential guidelines to help school leaders communicate in a way that builds trust. Build trust by understanding trust. Trusted leaders demonstrate care, character, and competence in their…

Most district and school leaders understand that recruiting group members who have differing backgrounds, perspectives, talents, and personalities makes for good decision-making. Unfortunately, simply assembling a variety of top-notch individuals does not necessarily mean their talents and perspectives will be fully considered. Beth Strathman…

School leaders have a habit of minimizing disagreements among faculty and staff by capitalizing on the goals and values that everyone shares. When conflict rears its head at a meeting, it can be lessened by simply reminding colleagues of common purpose and finding issues on which all can agree. What started as an argument about curricular…

Because few public school administrators and teachers have an evangelical fundamentalist religious background, they may have difficulties understanding evangelical parents and their Bible-centered lifestyle. This article recommends steps that administrators can take to improve this stituation and reduce conflict and confrontation. Includes five…

Describes the student mediator program developed at the William E. Ferron Elementary School (Nevada). Since the program began, the number of discipline problems referred to the principal has declined. Includes a sidebar outlining the steps used for orientation of mediators. (MD)

Increasingly, children who learn good conflict-management skills find themselves negotiating with kids who would rather fight--even over minor matters like cutting into line, taking a pencil, or touching a classmate's desk. A Pittsburgh teacher has worked to create a physically and emotionally safe classroom and devised a Students Against Violence…