PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A conflict resolution program in Philadelphia public schools this fall is designed to address not only disagreements in school, but to begin changing a culture.
Many district schools already have programs to improve the school climate. But this fall, the plan is to teach conflict resolution in all schools.
Schools are currently choosing among three models:
- Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
- Restorative practices
- Social and emotional learning
Kevin Bethel, the School District of Philadelphia's Chief of School Safety, says in a city where more than 300 children were shot last year, it's a step toward breaking a culture where violence is the first option.
"The mindset is, 'You shoot, I shoot.' You know, 'You kill, I kill,'" Bethel admitted.
"That is infecting our communities, and it's just conflict after conflict after conflict."
Bethel said peacefully resolving disagreements is a skill that needs to be taught early.
"You can't give them conflict resolution at 16 when they're already in conflict," he explained.
"That stuff has to happen early in the process. Just like reading."
Teachers are being trained on the program this summer.
Information that the district was planning conflict resolution programs for every school came during a city council education committee hearing Wednesday.
Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson released a report on the hearing's findings.
