Safe and Peaceful Schools

John Winslade - California State University, San Bernardino, USA
Michael Williams - Edgewater College, Auckland, NZ

Other Titles in:
Conflict Resolution in the Classroom | School Counselling | School Safety

January 2012 | 208 pages | Corwin

This practical resource for counselors, psychologists, and social workers, as well as teachers and administrators, will help them handle, manage, and address conflict and violence. The book ties together a comprehensive list of approaches to conflict rather than relying on any single method, with an emphasis on providing an alternative to the common 'zero tolerance' approach that usually translates into addressing violence by means of excluding students. The book concentrates on methods for addressing conflict with an aim of turning a situation around and teaching young people to negotiate their way through conflicts and to learn nonviolent ways of handling themselves in difficult situations. The chapters address a mode of practice that can be used in constructing peaceful interactions within a school. Each different practice has in common the aim of constructing a way forward in problem situations. The chapters begin with a description of some useable practices, then illustrate the practices by telling the story (or several stories) of the practice in action. Finally, the chapter will add some commentary on what happened in the illustrative examples and suggest how this example can be followed up on.

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