Center for the Fourth and Fifth "R"s

Franklin High School:
Students Taking Responsibility

Students at this Portland, Oregon high school have implemented a Student Mediation Program for solving conflicts in the school community. Student mediators have used a problem-solving approach to help resolve conflicts between students and between teachers and students. The outcomes:

  1. The students suspension rate has dropped significantly, and the school climate is more peaceful.
  2. Students who have had conflicts mediated by a peer say they have learned skills they can use in everyday life.
  3. Student mediators have gained self-esteem.

Other students at Franklin High School started a Student World Affairs Club. It provides the whole school with information about cultural diversity through: (1) School displays; (2) Information about cultural diversity that is used in classroom discussions during "Because I Care Week"; (3) Schoolwide cultural assemblies; and (4) Cultural information in the daily bulletin.

Contacts: Russ Dillman/Bonnie Hobson, Franklin High School, 5405 S.E. Woodward, Portland, OR 97206; (503) 280-5140.