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San Francisco Community School's Conflict Resolution Policy

The San Francisco Community School's Conflict Resolution Policy demonstrates a process that helps everyone–teachers, students, parents, support staff, anyone who spends time in the school building–to use their minds well as they solve problems. Staff members say that they use the conflict resolution policy to model effective nonviolent communication for students; they feel that it allows them to stay focused on real issues and transcend personal conflict.

San Francisco Community School's Conflict Resolution Policy

Our school community has committed to using conflict resolution to settle arguments and to prevent violence. We believe that effective conflict resolution can help us learn to disagree respectfully, to understand each other better and to respect the minds, hearts and bodies of everyone in our community. In order to live and learn and grow together, we need to build trusting, positive relationships.

We expect all members of our community — young and old, teachers, parents, students and staff — to practice this method and ask for help when we need it. We encourage families to reinforce this method at home and also to adapt it to meet your family needs.

How and When to Use the Conflict Resolution Policy:

We use our conflict resolution policy for major disagreements as well as for minor misunderstandings. We encourage everyone to talk directly to each other when conflicts first arise. People can follow the steps on their own (without an outside conflict manager) or ask someone (a teacher, head teacher, conflict manager, another parent) to help guide them through the steps.

The Process:

• Cool off (sit in a quiet place, take a walk, talk to a mediator)
• Agree on the ground rules (no interrupting, no put downs, no yelling)
• Each person tells what happened and how s/he felt (use I-statements)
• Each person says what s/he needs to happen next
• Brainstorm solutions
• Choose one solution (write down the agreement, plan to check if it is working)
• Use the solution

If the above process does not result in a solution:

For Students:

• A teacher will repeat the process
• The head teacher or a class meeting will mediate
• Parents will participate in the process
• The district will participate

For Adults:

• A teacher will mediate
• Two adults (staff or parents) will mediate
• The entire staff & interested parents will participate
• The district/union will participate

This resource last updated: May 28, 2002

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