To promote student safety and contribute to the maintenance of a positive school climate, the Board of Trustees encourages the development of school-based conflict resolution programs designed to help students learn constructive ways of handling conflict. The Board believes that such programs can reduce violence and promote communication, personal responsibility and problem-solving skills among students.
Conflict resolution strategies shall be considered as part of the school's comprehensive safety plan and incorporated into other district discipline procedures as appropriate. Conflict resolution programs shall not supplant the authority of staff to take appropriate action as necessary to prevent violence, ensure student safety, maintain order in the school, and institute disciplinary measures.
(cf. 0450 - Comprehensive Safety Plan)
(cf. 5137 - Positive School Climate)
(cf. 5144 - Discipline)
(cf. 5144.1 - Suspension and Expulsion/Due Process)
(cf. 5144.2 - Suspension and Expulsion/Due Process (Students with Disabilities))
(cf. 6159.4 - Behavioral Interventions for Special Education Students)
Schoolwide programs may include curriculum in conflict resolution, including, restorative practices and positive behavior intervention and support but not limited to, instruction in effective communication and listening, critical thinking, problem-solving processes and the use of negotiation to find mutually acceptable solutions. In addition, the curriculum may address students' ethical and social development, respect for diversity, and interpersonal and behavioral skills.
(cf. 6141 - Curriculum Development and Evaluation)
Conflict resolution programs may incorporate peer mediation strategies in which selected students are specially trained to work with their peers in resolving conflicts.
Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
32280-32288 School safety plans
32295.5 Teen court programs
35291-35291.5 Rules
44807 Duty concerning conduct of students
CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION
Article 1, Section 28(c) Right to safe schools
Policy HOPE SCHOOL DISTRICT
adopted: December 15, 2017 Santa Barbara, California
revised: October 14, 2019