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Safe and Peaceful Schools
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Safe and Peaceful Schools
Addressing Conflict and Eliminating Violence



November 2011 | 208 pages | Corwin

Zero tolerance provides zero learning

In today's culture where bullying and violence are on the rise, we know that children who are afraid or anxious are in no state of mind to learn. If you are serious about creating a safe school climate conducive to learning, this book will show you how. Written by counseling experts, Safe and Peaceful Schools provides a variety of research-based techniques to help students, school counselors, psychologists, administrators, and other educators develop conflict resolution skills that reduce the need for disciplinary action. Each chapter addresses a mode of practice for constructing peaceful interactions, including:

  • Peer mediation
  • Narrative counseling
  • Circle conversations
  • Undercover anti-bullying teams
  • "Facing up to violence" groups
  • Restorative conferences

Included are vignettes, dialogues, sample activities, agendas, and charts. Conflict is inevitable. Teaching students how to deal with it constructively will help them learn the tools they need to succeed at school and in life.


 
Preface
 
1. Understanding Conflict in schools
 
2. A Narrative Perspective
 
3. Counseling
 
4. Mediation
 
5. Peer Mediation
 
6. Restorative Conferencing
 
7. Restorative Practices
 
8. Circle Conversations
 
9. Undercover Anti-Bullying Teams
 
10. Guidance Lessons
 
11. “Facing Up to Violence” groups
 
12. Putting It All Together
 
References
 
Index

“Narrative therapy provides a new, inclusive lens through which to address challenging behaviors in schools, and it has proved successful in some very difficult environments. This is approach has a lot of pluses and it is worth trying.”

Neil MacNeill, Principal
Ellenbrook Primary School, Western Australia

"There have always been conflicts in school, but with the advancements in technology, the devastation of family systems, and the incredibly diverse populations attending schools, the issues are increasingly multifaceted and confusing. This book is written in clear language with practical steps schools can use to build positive relationships.”

Amanda Mayeaux, School Improvement Coordinator
Ascension Parish Schools, Geismar, Louisiana

"For schools committed to a new direction in conflict resolution, the book provides step-by-step instruction for implementing a narrative-based approach as an alternative to traditional discipline strategies.”

Katy Olweiler, Counselor
Lakeside School, Seattle, Washington

"The authors offer a fresh look at addressing school conflict by framing in terms of narrative perspective and relational outcomes. The steps, ideas, questions, and scripts given in each chapter provide the best support imaginable for preparing readers to implement the strategies with their students. The vignettes will resonate with anyone who works directly with students."

Scott Hollinger, Instructional Coach and Former High School Principal
Communities Foundation of Texas

“Professionals seeking viable alternatives to the disrespect and bullying that can dominate the school environment can immediately employ the step-by-step strategies nested within a robust and coherent framework.”

Gerald Monk, Professor, San Diego State University
Co-author with John Winslade of Narrative Mediation and Narrative Counseling in Schools

“This book’s restorative justice approach is unique and powerful, offering students an opportunity to process resolutions in an inclusive rather than isolating environment.”

Trish Hatch, Associate Professor and Director, School Counseling Program, San Diego State University
Co-author, ASCA National Model

“This book is a welcome alternative to the blunt-weapon option of ‘zero tolerance,’ offering a goldmine of material that is both informed by research and illustrated through accessible real-life case vignettes.”

David Paré, Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa
Director of The Glebe Institute, A Centre for Constructive and Collaborative Practice

“The authors take one of the most elegant, touching, and successful approaches I have seen to what many regard as an intractable problem. I can assure you that ‘Undercover Anti-Bullying Teams’ is worth the price of the book alone.”

David Epston, Co-author
Narrative Means to Therapeutic Ends and Playful Approaches to Serious Problems: Narrative Therapy With Children and Their Families

“The most comprehensive non-punitive approach to school conflict resolution in one book! As both a school social worker and narrative therapist, I am appreciative to John Winslade and Michael Williams for this solid practice-based book that will be applicable to and inspiring for anyone who works in schools.”

Angel Yuen, School Social Worker
Toronto District School Board

“Some might object that it is not the role of schools to teach conflict resolution. However, 21st century learners will work in a world that requires global cooperation in collaborative work settings, and how else will they learn to recognize the complexity of every situation and community? I recommend this text for school administrators, counselors, and those seeking to help build relationships that are peaceful and just, and which restore humanity and honor to all.”

Jay Fiene, Dean
College of Education, California State University San Bernardino
Key features
  • Addresses many common challenges such as peer-to-peer fighting, students who act out in class, text message bullying, and postings in social networking sites
  • Each chapter concludes with Questions for Reflection and Questions for Research
  • The authors present the material through the narrative counseling perspective, which demonstrates how students make sense of their lives through the recounting of stories
  • The practices discussed in the book include mediation, peer mediation, restorative counseling and restorative practices, circle conversations, undercover anti-bullying teams, and "facing-up-to-violence" groups, as well as traditional counseling and guidance methods
  • Includes many vignettes, extended dialogues, sample activities and agendas, and charts  

Purchasing options

For large school/district orders, volume discounts, availability and shipping times contact customer service at 800-233-9936
or order@corwin.com.

contact corwin

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ISBN: 9781412986755
CAD$ 56.95

For large school/district orders, volume discounts, availability and shipping times contact customer service at 800-233-9936
or order@corwin.com.

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