Safe and Peaceful Schools
Addressing Conflict and Eliminating Violence
- John Winslade - California State University, San Bernardino, USA
- Michael Williams - Edgewater College, Auckland, NZ
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.
“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.”
"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.”
"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.”
"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."
“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.”
“This book’s restorative justice approach is unique and powerful, offering students an opportunity to process resolutions in an inclusive rather than isolating environment.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
