Mediation Assistance Services and Peer Mediation Training
What is Mediation Assistance Services?
Mediation Assistance Services are provided to schools upon request, as a method of helping disputing staff members arrive at peaceable agreements regarding interpersonal issues. This service is not given as a part of formal assistance plans. Disputing parties must volunteer to participate. The rules of mediation prevent the mediator from disclosing the content of negotiations to the referring source or any other outside party or rendering an opinion about future administrative actions. It is simply offered when there is hope that the interpersonal dynamics of a situation can be helped by enlisting the support of a neutral third party who can guide the communication process.
What is Peer Mediation Training?
Peer Mediation Training helps schools create a cadre of trained peers who can assist fellow students in resolving routine interpersonal problems that occur in school. Peer Mediation has been used in the country since the early 1980s and in the School District of Palm Beach County since 1994. The success rate for peer mediation is extremely high; data accumulated in Palm Beach County reveals a 93% success rate, with success being defined as securing a signed mediation agreement form by the end of the mediation session.
Are Peer Mediators supervised?
Yes, peer mediators operate under the supervision of school personnel, generally guidance counselors, who oversee the mediations and provide coaching services to the mediators at the conclusion of each session.
What skills do peer mediators learn?
Peer mediators learn a six-part intervention process that includes introductions and ground rules; active listening, summarizing, paraphrasing, and questioning skills to get each party’s perspective on the problem; negotiation skills to help parties define the problem and seek solutions that will effectively address each party’s interests; and agreement writing, to make sure the resolution is formalized in a do-able fashion.
What grade levels participate in Safe School Ambassadors?
Training is customized for elementary, middle, and high school students.
Contact Information
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Rick LewisTraining Coordinator
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Kim MazauskasBullying Prevention/Intervention Coordinator
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