The conflict-resolution technique of interpersonal negotiation involves five steps: (1) state your positive intentions; (2) define, analyze, and discuss the problem; (3) summarize progress; (4) explore alternative solutions; and (5) set a time for follow-up. (MLF)

Newly employed superintendents should get clear signals from the school board and make changes cautiously. If drastic measures are required, the superintendents should recognize staff concerns, get their backing, and involve them. A simple ceremony acknowledging the change in leadership can help people adjust to change. (MLF)

Superintendents need to recognize the two realities that the school board has the ultimate power and that superintendents are appointed to serve a specific term. Offers six remedies to superintendents in the case of real conflict with the school board. (MLF)

This document provides guidelines for gang awareness and prevention in the California school system. It is based on the belief that inservice training programs help school staff recognize early signs of gang activity, a necessary step to intervention. Following the introduction, chapter 1 offers descriptive information on gangs and their members,…

School business officials will need to lead the way for many of the changes that will take place in the nation's schools. Outlines some strategies to help defuse the tension and defensiveness and clear the way for meaningful change. (MLF)

Increased violence in schools, represented by possession of weapons, sexual or racial harassment, bullying, verbal intimidation, gang or cult activity, arson, or corporal punishment of students, for example, is a growing concern among students, educators, and communities. Since educators alone cannot ensure safety in schools, collaboration among…

With state budgets in trouble across the United States, many school districts have already been hit with midyear cuts. Morale is the first and biggest issue administrators and school boards have to tackle. Successful leaders must be able to forecast what lies ahead and plan for the future. Good communication with staff and the public is crucial to…

The development of a multicultural center at Prospect Middle School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was a response to the increase of racism and bigotry. Academic performance for both African-American and white students has improved significantly, and overall suspension rates have dropped by nearly 50 percent. (MLF)

This document presents a brief overview of conflict resolution in school settings and defines conflict resolution as: (1) a constructive approach to interpersonal and intergroup conflicts that helps people with opposing positions work together to arrive at mutually acceptable compromise solutions; and (2) as the body of knowledge and practice…

In spite of the different opinions among educators in the public and nonpublic sectors, dialog should be opened by educational policymakers. This report is intended as a resource for facilitating liaison mechanisms between the two sectors. The first section provides an overview of possible causes of conflicts between public and nonpublic schools.…

This report highlights the safety initiatives developed at 31 public school districts across the country and designed to ensure that students have a safe and secure learning environment. Specific initiatives include violence-prevention programs, collaborative efforts among schools and communities, gang prevention and intervention efforts, peer…

One of a series of secondary level teaching units presenting case studies with pro and con analyses of particular legal problems, the document presents a student's lesson plan, a teacher's lesson plan, and a lawyer's lesson plan designed to expose students to the concept of procedural due process with particular reference to the Supreme Court's…

One of a series of secondary level teaching units presenting case studies with pro and con analyses of particular legal problems, the document presents a student's lesson plan, a teacher's lesson plan, and a lawyer's lesson plan for a unit on First Amendment rights of students. Designed to expose students to the 1975 Supreme Court ruling that…

One of a series of secondary level teaching units presenting case studies with pro and con analyses of particular legal problems, the document presents a student's lesson plan, a teacher's lesson plan, a lawyer's lesson plan on religious rights in the public schools. Lessons acquaint students with important First Amendment rights concerning…

Outlines a lesson for high school students covering religious controversies in New York City schools in the 1840s. Issues pertain to Irish-Catholic immigrants' objections to public school religious instruction and attempts to obtain public support for parochial schools. Includes handouts concerning religious freedom, Bishop John Hughes' opinion,…