ASSEMBLY, No. 447

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 1996 SESSION

By Assemblyman ROMA

An Act concerning instruction in dispute management and resolution and supplementing chapter 35 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.

    Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

    1. Each board of education may offer instruction in dispute management and resolution which shall be designed to:

    a. develop an awareness and concern for the rights and well-being of others;

    b. provide insight into how attitudes are formed and decisions are made;

    c. provide an understanding of other cultures and the origins and nature of conflict among cultures;

    d. develop skills and attitudes for effective communication and cooperation with people from different cultures;

    e. improve dispute management and resolution skills; and

    f. encourage creative problem solving through peaceful means, including, but not limited to, mediation and arbitration.

    The Department of Education shall establish guidelines to be used by boards of education which offer instruction in dispute management and resolution. In developing the guidelines, the department shall seek advice from representatives of school boards, school administrators, school counselors, classroom teachers, curriculum development organizations, parents and students.

    2. This act shall take effect immediately.

Permits boards of education to offer instruction in dispute management and resolution.