Conflict Resolution/Mediation Programs
CRC SCHOOL PROGRAMS
CRC’s programs work to strengthen school systems by 1) Teaching skills and concepts to students and adults and 2) Offering programs that provide alternatives to traditional methods of discipline and behavior management. CRC works with schools to assess the school environment and tailor each program to meet the needs of every school site. The following six programs are available for schools to implement on their campuses as determined by their needs assessment.
STEPS TO SOLUTIONS (Pre-K – 2)
The Steps to Solutions program is designed to teach students grades pre-K through 2 a basic 4-step process for resolving conflicts as they occur both on the yard and in the classroom.
Program Content
Students are taught a basic problem solving process:
State the problem using an I-Message
Offer a solution to solve the problem
Offer a way to handle the problem differently in the future
Come to an agreement
Most petty classroom disputes that take up teacher time can be resolved easily by students through the Steps to Solution process. The process also gives young children and adults an opportunity to resolve conflicts in a constructive, non-adversarial manner.
The training takes 6 hours and can be delivered to students in their individual classrooms or in groups of up to 30.
Program results include increased teaching time in the classroom, fewer discipline-related calls to parents, decreased fighting, and increased tolerance among students
CONFLICT RESOLUTION EDUCATION (CRE) (3-12)
CRE teaches students age appropriate techniques to resolve conflicts constructively and turn problems into opportunities.
Program Content
The elementary curriculum teaches:
Tolerance and respect for self and others
Communication skills and empathy
Cultural diversity education
Problem solving
Decision making and handling difficult situations
The training involves interactive activities, discussions, roleplays, and peer skill reviews. Middle school and high school CRE incorporates more sophisticated versions of the above concepts and conflict analysis training.
CRE lays the foundation for the peer mediation training and requires 12 hours of training time. Ideally this program is delivered to individual classrooms, but may be delivered to groups of up to 40 students.
Program results include an increased tolerance for differences, increased respect for peers and authority figures, fewer conflicts in the classroom and on the yard, less teacher time spent handling conflicts, and fewer referrals to the office.
PEER MEDIATION (3-12)
Peer Mediation training for students builds on conflict resolution education and teaches students to be neutral third parties who can help their fellow students resolve their conflicts. Mediators resolve student conflicts on the yard or in the classroom as they occur, or they mediate problems referred by teachers and administrators. The peer mediation program is designed to be integrated into the school’s disciplinary system as a problem-solving alternative to punitive action. Students in conflict are given an opportunity to take responsibility for their problems and arrive at their own solutions without adult intervention.
Program Content
Peer mediation training teaches:
Advanced listening skills
Advanced problem solving skills
Skills for staying neutral
Mediation techniques
The mediation process
Students are taught to assert themselves and manage their peers without being viewed as bossy or nosey. Older students receive advanced instruction for dealing with multi-party and complex situations, as well as mediations that are at impasse.
If students have received CRE training, peer mediation training takes 8 hours. If students have not received CRE training, peer mediation training requires 20 hours. Unlike other trainings, two to four student are selected from every classroom and trained in a group of up to 35 students.
Program results include reduced referrals, detentions and suspensions; less adult time spent on resolving student conflicts; a cooperative learning environment; and student ownership of their behavior.
ZERO IN ON BULLYING (K-12)
The Zero In On Bullying Program is an all-ages, universal intervention for the reduction and prevention of bully/victim problems. The program addresses bullying at three levels:
Individual—CRC offers interventions with children identified as bullies and victims, as well as discussions with and training for parents of involved students
Classroom—CRC offers character development curriculum that is taught in classrooms (see Character Development Program), and trains teachers to 1) establish and enforce class rules against bullying and 2) integrate discussions about bullying into their daily activities.
School-wide—CRC works with the school to assess the nature and prevalence of bullying and to develop a school-wide plan of action to address the issue.
Program results include a reduction in reports of bullying and victimization; a reduction of general antisocial behavior such as vandalism, fighting, theft and truancy; and significant improvements in school climate, student relations.
THE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (2-8)
The Character Development Program is a 6-hour program designed to teach elementary and middle school students to value diversity, personal integrity, and civic participation in order to create positive leaders who will work to build a dynamic school environment.
Program Content
The six hours of instruction are delivered in individual classrooms and cover:
Development of self-esteem as a product of responsible behavior
Cultivating integrity, trustworthiness, self-respect, honesty, and caring for others
Acknowledging and honoring differences and finding common ground to work cooperatively
Respecting the rights of and treating all people fairly, regardless of personal differences
Communication skills, identifying prejudice, and recognizing the effects and consequences of negative speech and actions
Discerning “Right” from “Wrong” and making difficult decisions, including resisting peer pressure and standing up for what is right
Taking responsibility for actions
Developing problem solving skills to reach fair and equitable solutions
Goal setting, short and long term planning, and development of self-discipline to work for goals
Valuing citizenship and participation in society
After the initial training is complete, students will receive booster trainings later in the school year to reinforce the concepts. An additional six hours of instruction will be available for students who are at- risk for gang involvement, hate-related activity, or violent behavior. These students and their parent/guardians will receive training in conflict resolution as well as character development.
Program results include an increased tolerance for differences; a greater sense of community on the school campus; a reduction in the number classroom altercations and referrals for disrespectful behavior, bullying, name calling, and profanity; and a reduction in dishonest behavior, including lying, cheating, and stealing.
ALTERNATIVE TO SUSPENSION PROGRAM (6-12)
The Alternative to Suspension Program offers middle and high students a six-hour, Anger Management/Conflict Management class in lieu of suspension. The program targets middle and high school students who have been slated for suspension. Both first-time and repeated-referral students should participate in this program.
Program Content
The class curriculum covers:
Managing conflicts at home, work and school
Impulse and temper control; managing boredom and depression
Coping skills and effective decision making
Respecting differences and working cooperatively with others
Managing frequent irritability and reduced sensitivity to others
Problem Solving Skills
The class is held on campus during school hours so that students are credited for their attendance. Sessions may be scheduled anywhere from once a month to once a week. In order for students to complete the class and forgo a suspension on their official records, parents are required to attend the final hour of the class with their children. In deference to working schedules, parental sessions may be scheduled at a separate time.
Parents, faculty, and students also have the option to sign up for parent-child, parent-faculty mediation and/or conflict resolution if they choose.
Program results include a reduction in the number of suspensions; improved attendance for the school; a decrease in referrals and suspensions; improved social skills and behaviors for students who chronically visit the Counselor, Dean or Principal’s office; and increased ability for students to constructively handle problems.
All programs require CRC to meet with faculty in order to familiarize them with the programs and train them in modeling and reinforcing the concepts being taught to students. CRC also offers advanced training for teachers in classroom management, leadership, conflict resolution, and family conflict resolution workshops for parents.
Adult Modules
Adult and Organizational Modules
ORGANIZATIONAL TRAINING MODULES
CRC offers training for organizations and corporations. Our modules focus on enhancing organizational effectiveness and creating a positive and effective work environment.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION (average 3 hours)
Topics covered: Conflict analysis, Problem Solving, Generating Options, Consequence Analysis
Skills covered: Conflict management styles, Sources of Conflict, Positions vs. Interests, Creative Brainstorming, Problem Solving Process
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION (average 3 hours)
Topics covered: Positive and Negative Communication, Listening, Framing Your Message Effectively
Skills covered: I-Messages, Active Listening, Reframing
GENERAL MEDIATION SKILLS (average 6-9 hours)
Topics Covered: Role of the Mediator, Eliciting Information, Mediation Process,
Skills Covered: Setting the Tone, Establishing Ground rules, Getting the Stories, Finding Common Ground, Exploring Options, Creating Agreement, Crafting a Sound Agreement
LARGE GROUP DYNAMICS AND FACILITATING MEETINGS (average 3 hours)
Topics Covered: Time Management for Meetings, Dealing with Difficult People, Handling Complex or Difficult Issues
Skills Covered: Defining Roles, Rules, and Responsibilities; Time Management for Meetings, Creating Group Consensus, Building Trust, Power Dynamics
FACILITATION AND PROBLEM-SOLVING SESSIONS (minimum 2 hours, multiple sessions often required)
If a group is experiencing conflict, S.E.E.D. incorporates facilitated problem-solving sessions into its trainings. Group may choose to address specific problems, engage in options exploration, or work to redefine it mission, goals, internal structure, etc.