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Elementary School Peer Mediation Training Programs
On Common Ground, Inc. is a NJ Character Education Partnership Program of Merit

Introduction:

Peer mediation "even at the elementary level" is a "powerful, cost-effective process that leaves participants feeling satisfied and respected while resolving conflicts."
– Angaran, S., & Beckwith, K. (1999). Peer mediation in elementary schools. Principal, 78, 27-29.

Peer mediation programs in schools are an extremely effective method to reduce verbal and physical conflict and to improve overall school climate. With the supervision of an adult advisor, trained students help other students to resolve conflicts peacefully. Students learn to be more responsible for creating a peaceful and respectful school climate.

While a “typical” On Common Ground elementary school peer mediation training is outlined below, all On Common Ground training programs are customized to meet the exact needs of each school and always beginning with a program planning process. For more information on the program planning process, click here.

"Typical" Training Description:

In this model, we train approximately 12 to 16 students to become peer mediators at their school. The primary job of the peer mediators will be to help other students resolve their own conflicts. Peer mediators are not “judges” or figures of authority – they help students listen to each other in a safe, structured environment. Peer mediators work in pairs with two students who are having a conflict, with an adult advisor nearby. The disputants are usually referred to peer mediation by a teacher or other school staff as a precursor to disciplinary action. Peer mediation is a structured process that requires mediators to have substantial training and practice.

In this model, On Common Ground trains the students and their program advisors over the course of four half-day trainings. Once the training is complete, we help the program advisors develop and plan ongoing mediation practice.

Program Goals:

The overall goal is to provide an effective conflict resolution resource within the school and positively impact school climate by:

1. Preparing a core group of students to be peer mediators.
2. Developing a successful and sustainable means for students to resolve conflicts peacefully.
3. Impacting the entire student body by promoting student responsibility and empathy.

Program Overview:

The trained facilitators serve as an early intervention resource for conflict resolution within a school. When a conflict arises between two students, a teacher or staff member can refer the disputants to peer mediation. This means that the peer mediation program advisors will learn some basic information about the nature of the conflict. The program advisors then schedule a time for two peer mediators to work with the disputants. During the mediation, a program advisor will be in the room to ensure safety and comfort, but will allow the mediators to facilitate the mediation process.

Program Fees:

For information on fees, please click here

Program Funding Sources:

1. Many of our clients use Character Education funding for our services:

   The New Jersey Character Education Partnership (NJCEP)

   "The purpose of the NJCEP is to assist public school educators to adopt validated character education programs that will meet the developmental needs of students throughout New Jersey by promoting pro-social student behaviors and creating a caring, disciplined school climate conducive to learning." –NJCEP

   To learn more about Character Education funding, click www.state.nj.us/njded/chared

2. In addition, many schools have utilized Municipal Alliance and/or Title IV funding to pay for On Common Ground services.
3. For more program funding suggestions, please contact On Common Ground at 908-879-8516 or by email.