Mediator, John Bertschler (left), discusses the Maple Heights school levy as a guest on Michael Settonni's radio show, "The Settonni Factor," on WERE 1300 AM in Cleveland, OH. Related Articles... Chart Your Child’s Success Building a Legacy of Respect: Tips for Parents on Diversity Harried with Children: Turning Negative Behavior Around Put the Earplugs In: Letting Kids Work It Out On Their Own School Girl Bullies: All the Rage! Teen Volunteers: Looking for the other 75% Effective Use of the Ever-So-Popular TIME OUT! Related Speaking Topics... Adolescent Depression/Suicide/Creating Classroom Community Anger Management Bullying Business Leadership Academy Conflict in the Workplace/Change Diversity Training Effects of Divorce on Children Harried With Children: Another Look at Misbehavior Respectful Communication—Even with Difficult People Self Esteem Development in Children: Tips for Parents Stress Management and Burnout Treatment Strategies for Low-Grade Trauma Wellness in Transition: Models for Clients and Helping Professionals

School Mediation
School mediation generally falls into three categories:

1. School peer mediation programs
   
2. Matters surrounding special needs children (Section 504/ I.D.E.A.)
   
3. Formal dispute resolution between or among school personnel, families, school boards, or others related to the matter.

A fourth category entails educational training relevant to learning, improved teaching skills, communication between teachers and parents, conflict resolution training (see partial list of Speaker’s Bureau topics).

2002 Catholic School Survey Results
NCS contacted 120 Catholic elementary and high school principals in the Greater Cleveland, Ohio area and surrounding counties. We received a 41% return on our mailing.

Our goal was to determine the most frequent types of conflict experienced in the school community. Participants ranked the level of conflict on a scale of zero (no conflict at all) to ten (most frequent contact). The results are:

If your school is experiencing any of these conflicts, pleas contact us for a FREE CONSULT to learn if mediation can work in your situation.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (I.D.E.A.)
NCS is proud to have an affiliate who has experience in mediating and litigating on behalf of children with special needs.
Originally, civil rights law Section 504 was established to provide programs prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities. It did not make specific provision for individual educational plans (IEP).

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) does require IEPs. Additionally, if a dispute should arise between the parents of a special needs child and the school, IDEA requires mediation as a first line of defense in trying to resolve the conflict.

School Safety
School safety is of paramount importance for children, parents, teachers and all staff involved in the important work of education.
NCS can assist school systems and parent/teacher groups in safety issues related to:

• Bullying
• School violence prevention
• Signs of adolescent depression and suicide
• Suicide prevention
• Suicide protocols
• Terrorism in the building (Configuring plans for ingress/egress, Terrorism prevention)

For information about any of these or other services not listed, please contact us.

Business Leadership Academy: Joint Venture with Notre Dame College

NCS and the Professional Development Department of Notre Dame College of Ohio have joined forces in developing a Business Leadership Academy, begun in September, 2003.