As the former assistant principal of a high school and middle school in New York, Kieran Stack directed public education in a diverse community. In this role, Kieran Stack dealt with disciplinary problems by using teams of peer mediators.
Peer mediation is a negotiation-based method of conflict resolution. At least 5,000 peer mediation groups around the country serve to improve student-teacher-parental communication and curb violence and vandalism. They model listening, problem solving, and critical thinking skills and motivate an appreciation of peaceful problem resolution, justice, and citizenship.
The mediator first asks students to write down problems and set an agenda that describes the details of the dispute. Then, the disputants each tell their version of the story, bringing out all their feelings and the reasons for the conflict. The mediator’s questions reveal the positions of all sides.
Afterward, the mediator asks students to provide solutions, taking note of the ones that all parties agree on. If no answers arise, everyone repeats the earlier processes, and sometimes the mediator meets with individuals privately to help things along.
Once solutions appear, the mediator asks all sides to endorse a contract, setting out the approved solutions. Follow-ups are conducted to assure adherence to the contract.
Although results are hard to measure, teachers and administrators feel peer mediation works. Some studies have shown significant reductions in fighting and suspensions, and students trained as mediators report improved academic skills and self-esteem.
Kieran Stack 
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