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Peer Mediation In The Schools

"Mediation Works!"     - High School Teacher

"The Mediation program encourages students by giving them a place and method to resolve conflicts peacefully. More and more students are referring themselves to Mediation as its reputation grows. Conflicts resolved in this manner do not escalate to possible violence. Resolving the problem allows students to return to the classroom ready to focus on academics. The program also teaches students more mature ways to resolve conflicts: through listening and
problem-solving."   - Middle School Guidance Counselor

What Is Peer Mediation?

"Mediation helped me when I had a problem. We made a deal and it seems to be working. And if it doesn't work, I know I can go back."   - 8th Grade Disputant

  • Peer mediation is a process used to resolve conflicts in schools.
  • Trained mediators listen and help people find a way to settle their differences.
  • The mediators do not take sides or decide who is right or wrong.
  • Participants decide for themselves how to settle their differences.
  • What is said in mediation is kept private.

What Issues Are Resolved In Mediation?

"[Our] schoolhad an extremely high number of assaults, fights, harassment issues, intimidation and extreme disruptive behavior in classes. We also had incidents or racially motivated conflict and had a significant and growing problem with gangs. Since its inception, the mediation program has been used increasingly by students and staff, and has been a major part of the decline in some of the problems listed above. Assaults, fights, harassment issues and gang activity are all significantly lower."   
- School Psychologist

Mediation is available for students to resolve many issues, including:

  • Rumors
  • Prejudice
  • Harrassment
  • Teasing
  • Gangs
  • Friendship
  • Boy/Girlfriend
  • Name-Calling
  • Stealing
  • Threats
Mediation is also available for resolving student/teacher disputes, workplace disputes, and parent/teen disputes.

What Are Some Benefits Of Mediation?

"Through mediation, adults and students have been able to 'safely' air their concerns about confrontational issues. For students, valuable skills and techniques were learned through the process. An alternative to fighting and handling disagreements through mediation has filtered through the high school. There has definitely been a positive impact on school climate as a result of the mediation program."   -  Guidance Counselor

  • Mediation can prevent a fight.
  • Mediation can save a relationship and even make it better.
  • Problems can be solved before they develop into bigger problems.
  • Participants learn a peaceful, responsible way to solve problems.
  • Mediation is a way for students to help students.
  • Mediation is a way to stay in control.
  • There is a lot to gain and little to lose.
  • Mediation is a way to understand the conflict and the other person better.
  • Mediation is safe and comfortable.
  • Mediation respects diversity.
  • Mediators listen.
  • Resolving a conflict reduces stress and feels good.
  • Mediation opens your mind.
  • Mediation can make school a better place to be.
  • Mediation Works!

What Others Say:

"I have referred a half dozen students to mediation in the last year. I have also participated in a mediation with a student. I have found mediation has been a useful way to deal with personal and other issues that can otherwise sidetrack the progress of my English classes."     - High School English Teacher

"The program has changed my life and I feel better about myself because of it."    
- 11th Grade Mediator

"The decrease in the number of physical fights and different forms of harassment clearly indicates the degree of success and continued presence of the Peer Mediation Program."     - Middle School Principal

"I have worked in the mediation program and have seen the affects - it works for many people."   - 11th Grade Mediator

"I feel this Mediation Program has been extremely successful. I have seen it grow from having very few students involved, maybe 5-8, to around 30 or more actively participating. I have seen very positive signs in students who themselves are mediators and in students/faculty who go through the mediation process. One of the teachers in my Department participated in a mediation with a problem student in her class and found the process to be both professional and very positive. There are many secondary benefits involved also. I support the program 100%."   - Department Head

"I believe that mediation is a very important part of our school environment. I know that my mediation skills will not just be used in my education and problem solving now, but I will continue to use them throughout my education. Personally, mediation has been a great experience. It is a great feeling to know that you helped someone solve a problem."   - 8th Grade Mediator

"We have used the mediation program several times this year. I really hope this program continues - we need all programs that encourage peace and cooperation."  
- Middle School Teacher

"I have learned to not only help resolve other people's problems, but also problems of my own."   - 8th Grade Mediator

"I have used the mediation program to resolve problems that have come up in class. It was great to have impartial parties there to help resolve the conlict."   - High School Teacher 

 The Mediation & Training Collaborative
277 Main Street, Suite 401, Greenfield, MA 01301
413.774.7469  

Franklin County Main Office: 393 Main Street, Greenfield, Massachusetts 01301
Phone: 413.774.2318 • Fax: 413-773-3834

Hampshire County Main Office: 56 Vernon Street, Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
Phone: 413.582.4230 • Fax: 413.582.4248

North Quabbin Main Office: 167 South Main Street, Orange, MA 01364
Phone: 978-544-5423 • Fax: 978.544.2805

info@communityaction.us

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