Kids Working It Out: Stories and Strategies for Making Peace in Our Schools (review)

Teachers and administrators who want to bring conflict resolution education into their schools or who are re-evaluating their existing programs will find Kids Working It Out an indispensable resource. A survey of best practice, this title introduces the reader to the broad spectrum of activities that make up conflict resolution education (CRE) in today's schools.

When most of us think of CRE we think of peer mediation programs. While providing an insightful chapter on peer mediation, the editors of this book challenge readers to examine a variety of strategies that can help create more peaceful schools. Ten strategies in all are discussed by leading American practitioners. In each case, contributors outline the characteristics of the program, the steps required to implement it successfully, and its limitations.

What makes this book particularly valuable are the final pages of each chapter. The editors have gone to schools that use the strategies described and have interviewed the students, teachers, and administrators about their experiences. Consequently, as we learn about restorative justice, curriculum integration or anti-bullying efforts, we also hear about the impact of these programs directly from participants. A student commenting on his experience with curriculum integration, for example, tells us, "Sometimes it's exhausting. But I feel like I'm ready to go to high school from [her] class, but I don't feel that way in my other classes."

In the last chapter, the editors reflect on what can be learned from the success stories. The most successful schools, they note, have implemented not one but several of the strategies outlined in the book. The editors consider the issue of how to ensure these programs last beyond the enthusiasm of the pioneering teacher or administrator. They also draw attention to a variety of other factors that affect the success of CRE.

Kids Working It Out is designed to give the big picture of CRE and it does this very well. The book will help guide educators who are considering ways to introduce such programs into their schools. It does not include lesson plans or activities to teach conflict resolution skills. It does, however, contain a selective list of resources, programs, and organizations.

For those who are just new to the field of conflict resolution in schools, this book is an excellent place to start. It will bring the novice up to speed very quickly on the state of conflict resolution education and help him or her reflect on how best to begin this worthwhile project. Similarly, those looking to expand beyond existing programs will find many possibilities to consider. The student and teacher comments are a compelling reminder that in this time of dense curricula, we must find a place for something as valuable as CRE.