Describes the student mediator program developed at the William E. Ferron Elementary School (Nevada). Since the program began, the number of discipline problems referred to the principal has declined. Includes a sidebar outlining the steps used for orientation of mediators. (MD)

Examined three interpersonal relations constructs and their interrelationships that characterize principals' leadership behaviors. The investigation surveyed teachers' perceptions of 250 elementary school principals management styles. Many principals are engaged in interpersonal behaviors (using high levels of personal power, cooperative conflict…

Minor disagreements can quickly escalate when a child feels threatened with losing face or fears retaliation. Peer-mediation programs can help students refocus their energies while learning communication skills they can use in other situations. The benefits of an Oregon elementary school's peer-mediation program are discussed. (MLH)

Research shows that most conflicts between elementary children are rooted in some form of miscommunication. This article makes suggestions for warding off conflicts by improving communication skills, recommending that teachers first model good listening skills, then try several activities that help students practice careful communication skills…

Recordings were made of Canadian and Mexican actresses reciting contradictory messages in their respective languages (i.e., English and Spanish). The younger children in the experiment in both cultures interpreted the contradictory messages more negatively than the older children. (Author/AM)

With heightened awareness to issues of school safety, it is important for elementary schools to take an active role in promoting constructive responses to conflict. The week of May 1-7, 2000 has been designated as Conflict Management Week by the Governor of Ohio. Conflict is a natural and inevitable part of living; however, managing conflict is…

The creation of "areas" designed for conflict resolution has been an effective method of teaching important communication skills. Elementary youngsters (K-6) who may be at odds with one another are placed in a situation that is conducive to generating face-to-face interaction. The location of "conflict areas" should be strategically chosen,…

The most effective alternative to punishment for violent or disruptive student behavior is to provide children with tools they will need for living peacefully with one another. This guide for elementary school classes examines ways in which a peaceful environment can be achieved and maintained in the classroom. Divided into six units which are…

A part of the Fuss Busters peer mediation program, this teacher's guide is designed to increase students' conflict resolution skills. Fuss Busters is intended to help elementary students resolve conflicts in a creative and cooperative manner through reflective listening, defusing anger, brainstorming, and mediation. The guide is designed to help…

Experiences with leadership and power are discussed from the perspectives of four female elementary school principals in Canada and teachers with whom they worked. Findings demonstrate principals' uses of facilitative power and give examples of power as both multidimensional and multidirectional. (SLD)

This practicum was designed to increase the level of teacher awareness of the concept of empowerment at an elementary school in the rural Southeast. A 12-week program was developed and implemented to train the school's 32 teachers in team building, conflict resolution, communication skills, team dynamics, and facilitative leadership. Weekly…

This elementary school training manual is based on the School Mediation Program developed originally by Good Shepherd Neighborhood House to train students in grades 6 through 12 in conflict resolution and violence prevention through peer mediation. Extending the program to the younger grades gives an earlier opportunity to use peer mediation to…

This paper describes a study of an organization development intervention with an eight-person teaching-support-administrative team in a suburban elementary school. Data for the study were gathered through observation by two participant-observers, through interviews with all eight direct participants in the team-building project, and through a…

Research shows that probable causes for disruptive classroom behavior are broken social bonds, violent environment, stress and conflict, and inadequate curriculum coupled with ineffective teaching methods. This report discusses a program to decrease negative peer interaction in order to improve academic achievement and interpersonal relationships.…

This digest addresses the sometimes confrontational nature of decision making in the language arts. Pointing out that administrators are often thrust into the debate even when they do not want to be, the digest offers a set of principles for an educational philosophy that gives both the community and the learners a stake in the content and process…