Conflict Resolution Training atUnity Charter School
Conflict Resolution Training atFor five hot evenings in July, Jeff Brown, Global Learning's Executive Director, conducted staff development conflict resolution and mediation activities for eleven members of the newly chartered Unity Charter School in Morristown, NJ. The eleven members of the planning team hope to "graduate" into full or part time teaching positions by the time the school opens its doors to K-8 students in September of 1998. The five evenings were structured around communications, win/win negotiating and peer mediation skills. On the third night of the training, nine members of Unity's Board of Directors joined the planning team in a group process and communications activity in which four teams struggled to replicate a fairly complex Lego structure. Only one person could look at the model, another person had to relay the "looker's" description to a third person, who was the "builder," who had to request the proper pieces from the "supplier" ... Lengthy discussions on what blocked and what facilitated communications, cooperation vs. competition etc. followed. All eleven full-time participants rated the series as "excellent." Following are some representative comments from their evaluation forms: "Everyone had the opportunity to talk. Things were explained thoroughly and everyone was actively involved." "Relaxed yet energy flowed ... 3 hours went quickly with varied activities" "The information flow was well structured." "I can't wait to implement these strategies in our school. Your gentle, whimsical style coupled with the depth of your knowledge were a powerful combination." More information on Unity Charter School can be obtained by calling (201) 993-1339. |
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