Appreciating diversity in a classroom, school or community requires perspective taking. There are many factors that contribute to our individual differences and at times these will be a source of conflict. While character traits such as respecting others are important in appreciating diversity, being able to think about a topic from another point of view, a conflict resolution skill, is of critical value. The committee recommends that conflict resolution programs used by schools in SAU 29 reflect the following philosophical assumptions and include the following conflict resolution program components. These assumptions are supported in the social development student objectives of the SAU 29 Developmental Counseling Curriculum.
Several factors contribute to the success of conflict resolution programs in schools.
The school system as a whole and each individual school needs to value and institutionalize the philosophical assumptions mentioned above and provide enthusiastic support. This provides the momentum needed to implement and maintain programs. Intradistrict dialogue can help provide system wide support. Staff, at individual schools need direct instruction in conflict resolution practices through staff development opportunities. Staff members are encouraged to model these principles so conflict resolution skills become part of the school culture.