If I were to give the human species a report card as it enters the 21st century, I would give it high marks in math, science, and technology, but its marks for the management of conflict need much improvement. In far too many interpersonal, intergroup, and international conflicts, we continue to learn and practice intolerance, prejudice, and violence.

Social scientists have told us that these destructive behaviors are learned and passed on from generation to generation. In many polarized communities these behaviors are fueled by self-serving leaders who manipulate the media and promote biased and prejudiced versions of history in the classroom. Schools thus can become part of the problem.

Imagine if all the teachers in the world were suddenly empowered to help their students unlearn the ABCs of hatred and exclusion, and learn the skills to achieve peaceful and just solutions to human conflicts. An unattainable ideal? I think not. Over the past 20 years as a trainer/mediator, I have been a participant/observer of an unprecedented movement in classrooms, communities, corporations, and international councils to better understand the nature of conflict and how to achieve constructive solutions.

WNET's PEACEFUL SOLUTIONS in part documents best practices in the classroom. It gives educators and students a unique opportunity to critically evaluate for local use outstanding examples of violence prevention curricula. These strategies have been designed to engage young people in building a better future for themselves, in which conflicts will not be eliminated but creatively used to bring about personal, organizational, and social growth.

To learn how to teach these lessons to young people, teachers of course will need to participate in staff development activities such as the ones suggested in this guide. Perhaps more importantly, however, educators and other concerned adults need to broaden and deepen their own knowledge, skills, and constructive conflict resolution practices through in-depth education programs in this emerging field of study. Only enlightened and self-reflective adults can serve as authentic role models and help the next generation make the grade.

Sincerely,

Ellen Raider

Training Director, International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution
Teachers College, Columbia University