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Peer Mediation Program Reduces Student Conflict in Chautauqua County, N.Y. Schools


JALMC Brings Peer Mediation to Chautauqua County, N.Y. Schools

Peer mediation is a concept that has been used with great success in schools across the country. It provides students and teachers an alternative to the traditional system of discipline for resolving conflict. Student mediators help their peers resolve their disputes by encouraging constructive communication, helping parties take responsibility for their actions, and clarifying their needs and feelings. Once reached, an agreement is put into writing and signed by the disputants, providing a permanent record of their settlement.

Teaching conflict resolution to middle and high school students is as important to, preparing tomorrow's workforce as their reading, writing, and math classes. In fact, the value and importance of the benefits derived from peer mediation programs - from the skills the young mediators gain to the overall impact the program has in school - parallels the values and benefits employers derive from a well-trained and skilled workforce. At the very least, the training, skills, and experience these kids gain from participating in peer mediation will compliment the range of skills that will be essential to the workforce of the next millennium. That is why Jamestown Area Labor-Management Committee took the time and resources to introduce and implement peer mediation in school districts in Chautauqua County, N.Y.

In addition to providing youth with problem solving, critical thinking, and listening skills, peer mediation prepares students to be citizens in a complex and conflict-ridden world. School-based mediation programs provide a number of proven benefits to schools including:

  • Reduced suspensions, detentions, and expulsions.
  • Improved communications between and among students, teachers, administrators, and parents.
  • Improved the school climate.
  • A reduction of violence, vandalism, and chronic school absenteeism.
  • Provided students with a direct forum for resolving conflicts that does not require the attention of administrators.
  • Resolved conflicts permanently by addressing their underlying causes, much unlike traditional disciplinary actions.
  • Allowed teachers to spend more time doing what they are supposed to be doing - teaching.

JALMC staff member and peer mediation program coordinator, Ralph Letersky said, "We have taken a very proactive approach to our mission of fostering a climate of positive labor and industrial relations. Learning they have avenues other than violence, bullying, and the old "I win - you lose" means of settling disputes at their disposal - gaining confidence in their abilities to assist peers in resolving differences - when they enter tomorrow's workplace, these kids will be fully equipped with the ability to resolve conflict on their own, thereby keeping the system free from static and more conducive to producing a quality product, whatever form that may take." Mr. Letersky stated support from a school's administration is critical to the success of these programs. Qualified mentors are important too. That is why JALMC staff and executive board members have pledged to mentor these programs, thereby insuring their continued success and existence. Better Business Bureau Dispute Settlement Center vice president and mediator trainer Judith Peter said, aside from being a real pleasure to work with, the kids "demonstrate the ability to work as mediators and show a lot of enthusiasm." She is always impressed by their ability to "learn their role just as quickly as the adults do."

Prior to implementing peer mediation, schools were asked to conduct a "school climate survey" so hard data existed for statistical comparison and to aid in program evaluations. To date, 48 middle and high school aged children and 34 teachers have participated in one-and two-day training sessions. Several of the schools have programs well in place. Others are in the process of introducing the concept. Ripley Central Schools, for example, introduced the program to the student body with a role play demonstration at an assembly. Peer mediators were recognized with certificates of completion, and the students were provided "Peer Mediator" T-shirts to wear when facilitating a session. Ripley's physical education teacher, Kim Young, coordinates the school's program where 16 sessions have been conducted to date. "We have a 100 percent success rate and the program really complements the Second Step Program already in existence," said Kim. "Thanks to JALMC we have a solid program that will grow to the benefit of everyone involved, now and well into the future ."

For more information, contact:

Ralph Letersky
Peer Mediation Program Coordinator
JALMC
PO Box 819
Jamestown, New York 14702-0819

Phone : 716-665-3654
Fax: 716-665-8060
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