Mediation+Program

SLACKWOOD SCHOOL'S MEDIATION PROGRAM

Slackwood School has implemented a Peer Mediation Program for over 20 years. Since the school is a kindergarten through grade 3 configuration, third grade students are selected to fill the positions of Peer Mediators. The selection process has evolved over the years. Currently, a lesson on conflict resolution is taught to all third grade students through the guidance program. Students are introduced to the Mediation Program, and are invited to take a job application if they are interested in applying for a position. Fifteen mediators are selected after job applications are received (there is a student component and a parent component to complete the application).

Mediators are trained during recess time each week. Once trained, the students help to write skits that are presented to students in grades 1, 2, and 3. Kindergarten students settle disputes in their classrooms, with the assistance of their classroom teachers. If conflicts arise that need futher intervention, the school counselor, principal, or other staff members assist in resolving them. Once the mediators present skits to students separately in grades 1, 2, and 3 (each skit is written as a developmentally-appropriate skit for the grade level, with conflicts that more frequently arise at that grade level), students may then request a mediation through the school counselor. The counselor then sets up a mediation with 3 mediators - 2 to conduct the mediation and one as the "report writer" who documents the agreement that the students sign once they have reached a decision as to how they will best handle the situation. The counselor oversees all mediations with students and, if necessary, assists students if a situation arises that they are unsure how to handle.

Disputants (students who have requested the mediation) come to an agreement with the assistance of the mediators. They try out their agreement. If it works, then the problem has been settled. If it does not work, they are welcome to return to mediation to attempt new ideas. The mediation process assists students in brainstorming without fear of teasing, and empowers students to brainstorm ideas about how to get along with others.