HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 1308        FILED ON: 1/13/2009

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 3433

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the Year Two Thousand Nine

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An Act to Promote Conflict Resolution Curricula in Schools..

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

Chapter 69 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2006 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after section 11 the following new section:-Section 12.  Conflict resolution.

Section 12.  (a)  The department of education, in consultation with the department of public health, shall develop a model curriculum and implementation guidelines related to conflict resolution education.  The goals of this curriculum shall be for students to 1) build skills to successfully resolve conflict without resorting to violence; 2) build cognitive, social and emotional competence; 3) reduce coercive interactions; 4) prevent the onset of conduct problems and juvenile delinquencies; 5) build social skills; and 6) develop positive decision making skills.  The model curriculum shall include skills to address conflict in multiple contexts, including but not limited to school, home, and community-settings.

(b) The implementation guidelines shall provide guidance on the integration of conflict resolution into the curriculum and into management practices in a manner that engages the entire school community, including but not limited to administration, teachers, students, and family members.

(c) In developing the model curriculum, the department shall consult the current peer-reviewed scientific literature, and may draw upon resources including but not limited to the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

(d) In developing the model curriculum, the department shall consult with schools and districts that currently utilize conflict resolution programs and other individuals and organizations deemed to be expert by the department.

(e) The department shall develop guidelines for training teachers and administrators on how to support and promote conflict resolution education, including incorporating conflict resolution techniques into the teaching of other subjects and implement ting peer mediation programs.

(f) The department shall develop the model curriculum and guidelines pursuant to this section, for kindergarten and grades 1 to 12, inclusive. Curriculum shall be age and grade appropriate.

(g) The department shall require each school district to review the model curriculum developed pursuant to this section and consider its adoption.