FAQ's
Conflict Resolution and Mediation
This is designed as a quick look at some common questions pertaining to conflict
resolution and mediation in the schools. Of course if you have further
questions please don't hesitate to contact a member of our staff.
Q: What
is the role of the Safe and Drug Free Youth (SDFY) office in relation to conflict resolution?
A: SDFY
in the Office of Student Services, Department of Special Services,
supports conflict resolution education in FCPS. SDFY assists schools
and offices interested in developing conflict resolution environments
and/or peer mediation programs. A conflict resolution environment
supports and affirms diversity and seeks to establish an overall
tone of mutual respect. Peer Mediation programs are one form of conflict
resolution that teaches intervention and problem-solving strategies.
SDFY
supports conflict resolution in the following ways:
- Providing
conflict resolution and mediation training for FCPS staff;
- Identifying
training resources for students and community members interested
in conflict resolution education and skill development;
- Developing
curriculum materials for Peer Mediation classes at the high school
and middle school level; planning and organizing elementary pyramid
trainings and providing resources and information on school-wide
conflict resolution lessons;
- Collecting
and disseminating information, resources, and research on conflict
resolution;
- Organizing
the annual Peer Mediation coordinators' meetings;
- Organizing
the annual FCPS Student Mediation Conference
- Providing
conflict resolution and mediation services to schools and offices;
- Designing
mediation programs for offices;
- Conducting
an evaluation of peer mediation and conflict resolution programs.
Q:
What is Conflict Resolution?
A: Conflict
is a part of everyday life. Conflict resolution is the use of communication
and problem solving skills to help people understand each other and
solve their problems together peacefully.
Q:
What is mediation?
A: Mediation
is one form of conflict resolution. A third party may be invited
in to guide parties in a dispute through the steps of the mediation
process to reach a win-win solution. The process is voluntary and
confidential.
There
are five steps to the mediation process. The first is an introduction
in which the mediator(s) will explain the process and ask if the
parties would like to continue. The storytelling stage allows each
side to present its story. Next, they will be asked to identify issues
that have arisen through the stories told. In the problem- solving
stage, the disputants will have the opportunity to brainstorm creative
solutions for the raised issues. Finally, an agreement may be crafted
that will detail the accepted terms of the resolution.
Q:
What is Peer Mediation?
A: Peer
mediators are students who are trained to mediate disputes between
their peers. They are taught skills in communication, active listening,
and mediation process management. The underlying assumption of peer
mediation programs is that students will be willing to allow other
students to help them resolve conflicts (rumors, fights, harassment,
misunderstandings, etc.) when they occur. The role of the peer mediator
is to listen to the issues raised and guide the disputants through
the process. He/she is not there to determine right or wrong. The
disputants are encouraged to work together to find a solution that
works for them both.
In
Fairfax County, over 25,000 students have been trained as peer mediators
in the past eleven years. They are prepared to work with other students
in conflict and have done so in thousands of cases. Thanks to their
efforts positive and constructive solutions have been reached rather
than destructive outcomes. At present in FCPS, there are around 100
peer mediation programs at various stages of development. In addition
to schools with peer mediation programs, there are many elementary
schools that teach conflict resolution skills, but do not have formal
peer mediation programs.
Q:
What are the benefits of peer mediation?
A: Benefits
extend in many directions. Students, both mediators and disputants,
learn communication, problem solving, and interaction skills. They
also learn to take responsibility for their actions and build confidence
in their ability to help themselves.
The
school benefits from positive student leadership, a decrease in levels
of violence, a safer school environment, and sense of student responsibility
for creating change.
The
community is provided with responsible students, lessened violence,
and students enabled with skills that can be used in any environment.
Q:
Do all schools in FCPS have peer mediation programs?
A: Peer
mediation programs exist in 83% of the elementary schools, 92% of
middle schools, and 91% of the high schools. Under the new Student's
Responsibilities and Rights all students have a right to seek mediation
as a form of dispute resolution.
Schools
that do have programs offer them in different forms. Some may hold
classes in peer mediation while others may have after-school clubs.
To determine if your school has a program, please call its number
to request information.
Q:
How are Peer Mediators selected and trained?
A: Selection
is done differently for each school. Some may have selection by peers,
others offer it as a class for whoever would like to participate,
and some may require teacher recommendations and interviews.
Training
is also different from school to school. Some use their class time
for training, some use meetings after school, and others devote a
couple days for intensive training. Many schools also send participants
to the Annual Northern Virginia Regional Student Mediation Conference
held at George Mason University to enhance their skills.
Please
contact your school for further information on the specifics of its
program and how you and/or your child can get involved.
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