School Programs
ChoicePoint (Bullying Prevention and Bystander Awareness Program):
In 2008 the ChoicePoint Program was launched in Southern Oregon. To date we have presented this program in dozens of schools and trained thousands of students to feel more empowered when faced with bullying and aggression. Studies show that most of the time bullying behavior takes place, there is no adult present. Our program focuses on empowering the "bystanders" to become "allies" and step up to help when aggressive behavior is taking place. At the end of the training students experience increased life skills and personal power as they learn that they have safe, effective methods for engaging in issues of bullying, aggression and cyberbullying. This results in improved ability to focus on studies, better attendance rates, and increased self esteem and willingness to participate in extra-curricular activities.
ChoicePoint is an interactive workshop (not an assembly-style presentation) where students are given the opportunity to be heard and brainstorm strategies when faced with bullying and aggression.
ChoicePoint Lesson Plan:
| Day 1: |
Define terms (types of bullying, aggressor, target, bystander, etc.); discuss how this plays out at your school; share stories about bullying and solicit student's own stories (anonymously) of when they may have been a bystander, target, aggressor or ally.
|
| Day 2: |
Separate class by gender and discuss how bullying is different for boys and girls.
Discuss who gets targeted and why and examine student's values. |
| Day 3 |
Brainstorm choices available to students when presented with bullying situations. Students are given an opportunity to embody appropriate choices through role playing exercises.
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In addition to the classroom time with the students, the training includes:
- Teacher/Staff Training
- Follow Up (6-8 weeks post training, provide new sessions on a specific area such as cyberbullying, social aggression, role playing exercises, empowerment circles, etc.)
- Parent/Guardian Presentations (PTO meetings or assemblies)
Peer Mediation: Peer Mediation is a form of conflict resolution in which trained students help their peers work together to resolve everyday disputes. Mediation Works partners with Jackson County schools (elementary through high school) through consultation, training, and support to develop the Peer Mediation Programs.
The schools that currently have mediation programs are Jefferson, Roosevelt and Wilson Elementary Schools; McLoughlin and Hedrick Middle Schools; Phoenix and Medford Opportunity High Schools; Grants Pass High School.
To read more about dispute resolution in the schools click here.
