Which of the following is typically NOT considered part of a comprehensive school conflict resolution plan?

• A. Negotiation
• B. Mediation
• C. Curriculum
• D. Evaluation

Answer: (A)

Think about what a school-wide conflict resolution plan is designed to provide: a consistent, fair, and measurable approach to handling disputes among students and staff. Mediation is central because it uses a trained, neutral facilitator to help the parties reach a voluntary agreement, preserving safety and relationships. A dedicated curriculum for conflict resolution ensures students learn essential skills—like listening, reframing problems, and collaborative problem-solving—across grade levels, rather than relying on ad hoc fixes. Evaluation is needed to measure whether the program actually reduces incidents and improves the school climate, guiding improvements over time. Negotiation, while a useful interpersonal skill students may use in disputes, doesn’t usually appear as a separate, formal component of the plan because it lacks the structured format and impartial facilitation that the other elements provide. In practice, negotiation skills are typically taught within the curriculum or addressed within mediation when appropriate, rather than as a standalone part of the program.