Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive description, through case study, of effective schoolwide conflict resolution programs in selected Los Angeles County middle schools. Specifically this study provides information in four areas: (1) process used to determine need, (2) strategies used by teachers and administrators with implementation, (3) the impact of the program, and (4) challenges and/or difficulties experienced. Methodology. Six middle schools were chosen to participate in this descriptive case study. The selection was purposive as they had been identified as having a schoolwide, successful program. The data for this study were collected during focus group and one-on-one interviews with school administrators and teachers. Additional descriptive information was collected through the examination of documents and artifacts. Findings. It was found that all schools implemented their conflict resolution program based on personal desires of those chosen to teach within the program. Instructional strategies varied widely from site to site and each strategy provided differing degrees of perceived success. Overall teachers and site administrators were positive toward the results of the conflict resolution program in place and felt that their program did make a positive difference in the interaction of students when conflict did arise. Conclusions. The following conclusions were made: (1) The wider the scale of involvement in teaching, selecting, and administering the program, the greater the impact on the campus. (2) Conflict resolution programs are positive teaching tools which allow students the ability to learn skills that assist in learning strategies to avoid physical and verbal confrontations. (3) There is frustration among staff and administrators in continuing to find funding sources as well as prioritization of school schedules as it relates to conflict resolution programs and curriculum at the middle school level. Recommendations. Schools that wish to implement a conflict resolution program need to: (1) move toward a full school/community approach when implementing any type of conflict resolution program, (2) provide direction instruction on a daily basis with techniques designed to minimize verbal and/or physical conflict, and (3) select a program to be used based on the gathering of data related to the types and frequency of conflict at the school site.