This paper viewed the educational system as a complex whole and a huge endeavour with numerous challenges that have emanated from the dynamic nature of society. The perceived functions of education for a rapidly changing society, has placed enormous pressure on the policy and programmes of education, on the curriculum and the organization and…

This case highlights the challenges faced by the principal of Forest Middle/Senior High School. In the surrounding school community, White middle-class families are increasingly opting to send their children to private schools. Within the school, critical incidents between White teachers and Black and Latino/a teachers and students mirror the…

Most history teachers will, at some point, recognise the tension between teaching an engaging history course while at the same time meeting the requirements of an exam specification. Mark Fowle and Ben Egelnick reflect here on how they approached teaching a formal requirement of an exam specification. Rather than see "controlled…

By enabling students to mediate their own disputes, educators may be synthesizing the finest potential in the school--the creative, constructive dynamic inherent in conflict. This article describes a mediated dispute resolution program used in several schools and offers implementation advice. (MLH)

Examines the dynamics of conflict and anger expressed by irate parents and offers principals a simple, effective method to resolve conflict and reduce anger in an integrative way. Well-managed conflict helps improve interpersonal relationships, promote healthy interaction, and develop creative, synergistic solutions to undesirable situations. (MLH)

Success in conferring with hostile parents is a result of careful planning, understanding human behavior, and frontline experience. This article encourages principals to develop the necessary skills to handle emotion-charged encounters with alienated, calculative, and committed parents. (MLH)

Outlines the Mt Diablo High School (CA) conflict resolution program that has become a model program. In its first two years it has been responsible for a 67 percent reduction in the number of student conflicts. (MD)

For schools, teachers, and principals, there is no censorship insurance--especially against attacks directed at learning techniques involved with problem solving and higher order thinking skills. Pincipals faced with disputes must work for consensus before, during, and after a controversy and mitigate self-righteousness and arrogance on either…

Authorized by Title X of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the Community Relations Service (CRS) is a mediation service dealing with community racial disputes. CRS has spent much of the past three years working in Los Angeles and is now handling problem solving in multiracial, multicultural schools in Stockton, California. Workshop participants usually…

The purpose of this final report is to provide a description and evaluation to the Camp Fire Greater Arizona Council of the results of Teens in Action: In Pursuit of Peace Curriculum delinquency prevention program. A total of 94 youths in grades 6 through 12 participated in the program in the spring of 2002 at four sites in Chandler. The Student…

The most common reason for the failure of schools to offer sex education is fear of negative community reaction. Ways to break down opposition by community or church groups to the implementation of sex education programs are discussed. (CJ)

A recent study of Houston secondary schools shows that assistant principals' work centers on routine clerical tasks, custodial duties, and discipline. Daily activities are characterized by brevity, variety, and fragmentation. Assistant principals are seldom charged with instructional improvement activities, except for teacher appraisal. The…

Examines interethnic conflict in a number of schools, probing the subsequent changes in and effect on school policy and culture brought about by such conflict. Data come from observations and interviews with participants in the Leading for Diversity Project research study. Discusses the scope of struggles faced by schools attempting to respond to…

This case study of peer mediation at one urban high school examines who benefits and how they benefit. Data from observations of peer mediator training, mediation sessions, interviews, and school records indicate that though peer mediation is designed to resolve conflicts in school, it is the mediators themselves who benefit most from the…

To help adolescents resolve problems with self-esteem, communication, conflict resolution, sex roles, and expectations, the author (a former divorce counselor) developed Dynamics of Relationships program allowing youngsters a chance to talk openly about sensitive personal issues. Piloted in Washington, D.C., schools, the program depends on…