File: JLDBG - Peer Mediation

NOTE: While Colorado school districts are not required by law to adopt a policy on this subject, CASB believes this sample contains the content/language that reflects "best practices." However, the district should consult with its own legal counsel to determine appropriate language that meets local circumstances and needs.

The Board recognizes that conflict management skills provide a school climate conducive to learning as well as provide students with meaningful strategies that are useful and relevant throughout life.

Peer mediation programs shall focus on enabling students to be active participants in the management of conflict and promote the idea that conflict in school environments is best handled when students take an active role in addressing it.

The goals of the district peer mediation program shall be:

1. to train students to actively manage conflict through acquisition, development and application of communication skills.

2. to set rules for establishing boundaries of conflict management.

3. to identify facts, issues and various solutions.

4. to use simulation and role play to learn effective skills of both mediator and disputant.

5. to learn that agreement between the disputing parties is possible and that consequences of not living up to an agreement exist.

(Adoption date)

CROSS REFS.: JKD/JKE, Suspension/Expulsion of Students (and Other Disciplinary Interventions)

KDE, Crisis Management (Safety, Readiness and Incident Management Planning)

[Revised June 2013]