Education

Conflict is rampant in the educational environment. Learn how to decrease conflict in your school and increase test scores and even have a better chance of meeting AYP. Toolsforeducators.doc 

Create a school environment that promotes conflict resolution from Kindergarten through college.  All stakeholders, including students, parents, campus police, administrators, bus drivers, staff, teachers and community leaders, participate in conflict management. The skills gained in the "Introduction to Mediation" class will enhance your ability to work through problems creatively to help you build possible options to build agreements that work.

Introduction to Mediation

 32 hour course $895.00

12 hour practicum $295.00  *optional

This training provides attendees with practical hands-on skills to help the education professional to build a strong dispute resolution foundation, enhance communication skills, and become proficient at the art of questioning.  The program explores all the aspects of the mediation process using discussion, group debriefing and demonstrations.  “Learning check” exercises and role-plays translate basic concepts into effective skills.  Mediator coaches give their feedback and relate their personal experiences.  The basic framework of the mediation process helps attendees recognize the opportunities for utilizing mediation for resolving disputes encountered in the education environment. This introduction to mediation explains how educators can use a conflict management system to reduce absenteeism, increase productivity, decrease loss instruction time, and decrease the escalation of conflict in the school environment.  These skills have been developed and tested in the workplace with positive outcomes.  Harness the power of this workplace tool and see the measurable results.

OBJECTIVES:

·         Understand the difference between adversarial and collaborative solutions in handling complaints from students, staff, and parents.

·         Develop an understanding of individual conflict styles.

·         Learn to distinguish the "level" of conflict the parties are experiencing.

·         Know the different stages of the Mediation Process.

·         Understand the benefits of Mediation to the educational setting to manage conflict.

·         Know how conflict management skills can transfer into workplace competencies.

Who Should Attend?

Administrators, Conflict Resolution Specialists, Counselors, Instructional Coordinators, Peer Mediation Coordinators, Safe and Drug Free School Coordinators, School Board Staff, School Resource Officers, Social Workers, Teachers, and Vocational Educators.

• An overview of mediation and other ADR (Alternative/Appropriate Dispute Resolution) methods; the nature of conflict.
• The role and skills of a mediator including:  Setting the stage, interactive listening skills, defining issues, identifying interests, transmitting information, communication skills, co-mediation techniques, the art of effective questioning, settlement strategies and agreement writing;
• Ethical dilemmas facing mediators; dealing with emotions, challenges to neutrality, dealing with power imbalances; confidentiality and liability.
• State and national mediation resources; Mediation and ADR websites and list serves.

• 32-hours of mediation training: including role-play opportunities for each participant to mediate with feedback and coaching;
• 12-hours of practical observation (optional);
• Certificate of Completion: in accordance with Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution Guidelines.
• Mediation Manual and Resources: A complete guide to mediation including reference materials and a bibliography. Information on state and national dispute resolution organizations.

Professional Learning Units pending.