Best Practice High School

Peer Mediation

What is it?
Mediation is NOT a student court or punishment, but a system for students to help each other resolve differences before they turn into a fight.

How does it work?
Students can request a mediation when an argument or problem occurs; or a teacher can suggest mediation. A pair of student mediators then guides the disputing students to talk it through and find their own solution.

What are the basic rules?
All mediations are confidential and voluntary. Mediators must remain fair and neutral, and only the disputants determine a solution they can accept. The mediators are trained to follow a carefully designed process to insure this. If school rules have been broken, or violence has occurred, teachers must still follow the CPS discipline code.

What about disputes between teachers and students?
A new program has been adopted for student-teacher mediations. Such mediations cannot be about violation of school rules, tardiness, or other school policies. However student-teacher mediations can focus on relationship issues or behaviors surrounding a teacher-student interaction. As with other mediations, the process only takes place if both parties agree to participate.

Does it work?
Violence affects a tremendous number of students and adults everywhere. One survey showed that in Illinois high schools, one third of females and two thirds of males had been in a physical fight within a twelve-month period. At Best Practice, peer mediation has not only solved many conflicts and prevented many fights, but has also shown students how to settle differences peaceably. Further, mediator training and experience develops skills needed in many professions.

The 2002-03 Best Practice Peer Mediation Team:
Sophomores: Leo Saucedo, Angila Taylor, Brittney Walker
Juniors: Markesha Jones, Emily Lopez, Jennifer Sanders, Latisha Yancey
Seniors: Shante Berry, Ebony Braithwaite, Corey Brown, Tiara Davidson, Jaisy Geans, Shavon Karney, Jeremy McClain, Eric Valdes.