When Things Go Awry: Managing Conflict Chapter Thirteen When Things Go Awry: Managing Conflict © 2016 Taylor & Francis

In This Chapter You Should: Identify the causes and costs of conflict among teams Identify strategies for managing conflict among teams List and explain the various steps in due process procedures © 2016 Taylor & Francis

Possible Causes of Conflicts In a school setting, many things can cause conflict To help avoid conflict, some things should NOT occur: Clearly stated goals and purposes for a team have not been expressed. Meeting times are not realistic or change without notice. Team members may harbor long-term resentment toward one another. Team members’ personalities may not complement one another. Team members were not selected thoughtfully or with care. Individual team members have different expectations for the team purpose and goals. © 2016 Taylor & Francis

Managing Conflict Conflict resolution is a skill that Develops over time Not resolving conflict can: create unnecessary costs waste time lead to poor decisions cause members to transfer schools or move districts cause the restricting of teams to avoid more conflict sabotage may occur if team members become interpersonally conflicted team members may lose motivation team members may miss work to avoid conflict © 2016 Taylor & Francis

Managing Conflict Managing conflict requires the consideration of: The stance Position of those in conflict The interests Motivations of members in conflict The needs Often times these are psychological needs (e.g., the need to teach lesson plans in the manner preferred by one teacher) © 2016 Taylor & Francis

Managing Conflict There are six steps to managing conflict To manage conflict parties must first agree to negotiate Team members must gather various points of view; communication is key during this step Team members must find common interests Team members need to create win-win options Team members need to evaluate the options identified Team members need to reach an agreement © 2016 Taylor & Francis

Who Is responsible? School leaders should be prepared to step in and assist with conflicts School principals should provide in-service training Lead teachers should be well versed in conflict resolution Model for other teachers © 2016 Taylor & Francis

Conflicts between Schools and Families IDEA outlines specific steps that must be followed Due process Mediation Impartial third party Impartial hearing officer Investigates three things: FAPE Caregiver involvement in FAPE Deprivation of educational benefits State Education Agency Local hearing / Render a decision © 2016 Taylor & Francis