WHY HAVE A CONFLICT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM? Conflict management involves identifying a conflict, understanding what is causing the conflict, and using nonviolent problem-solving skills to de-escalate the conflict so that a mutually acceptable agreement can be achieved. Although we must accept conflict as a natural and inevitable part of living, we need not accept violence as a natural response to conflict. Conflict management techniques can turn conflict into a learning opportunity. Teaching "the fourth R" of resolution will provide students with important life skills and will create a safer school climate conducive to learning. The following excerpt was taken from The New York Times and emphasizes the importance of teaching all children conflict management skills. "Psychology has a message of hope; violence is preventable," said Dr. Ronald G. Slaby, a psychologist at Harvard University, who is a member of the American Psychological Association's Commission on Violence and Youth. "Violence is learned, and we can teach children alternatives." Intervening at an early age, especially from 4-8, before children's habits of aggression are fixed, was among the commission's main recommendations [in a report on youth violence]. Violence "is learned very early in life, and learned well," said the commission's chairman, Dr. Leonard Eron, a psychologist at the University of Michigan. "Interventions work best if they are started early. The longer you wait, the harder it is to change." Dr. Eron added, "Youth violence is not an insoluble problem." The commission recommended efforts aimed at the family, the classroom, the community and the media. The report described as particularly effective programs in the schools that teach social and emotional skills like managing anger, negotiating, [acknowledging] another child's perspective and thinking of alternative solutions to disagreements. Children who are already aggressive can benefit from special tutoring along these lines. The New York Times, August 11, 1993 CURRICULUM INDEX
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