Conflict Resolution for Students with Special Needs

Summary

The idea of communication and discussion on a special needs child is previously discussed by Lockhart (2010) in his study related to behavioral science. Cognitive studies encompass early interventions in the area of conflict management in public schools worldwide. (Tincani et.al, 2006). Observations and assessments by the teacher, parents, school counselor and school psychologists play an important role in identifying the students with problems. The collected data through assessments reveals the sparks that create conflicts. Disturbance in child's behavior can also be detected through his body language (Freedman, 1993)..

Though, there are many ways to work on conflicts, such as formal and informal, but the informal approach is more common and effective in managing conflicts. The approach is outlined on strategies and techniques for resolving and preventing conflicts and allows parents, teachers and students to arrive at a shared solution. Conflict resolution for students with special needs have several tiers of support. These tiers lead to a diplomatic conclusion of a conflict (Montville, 1993).

Active communication and determination towards a mutual solution is necessary with purposes of positive assurance from both parties to successfully decide conflicts. Three main alternatives to resolve dissimilarities with schools are mediation, special education formal complaint and special education due process hearing an administrative remedy for parents and school districts. Figure 1 gives a plan for individual educational plan of resource guide for the schooling communities dealing in students with special education.

Figure 1: Source: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca

Before highlighting the different approaches and strategies for conflict resolution, it is very important to have the overview of the students with special needs. There is a diverse group of youth and children who need special education services and program. These programs are formulated to develop skills and knowledge and support them to involve actively in the society (Jane, 2009).

. There are several aspects of the conflict that need to be explained, such as common responses, factors contributing to conflict, reasons for conflict in special education and signs of warnings for potential conflict (Knowles & Saxberg, 1971).

Common responses to conflict include confrontation, avoidance, and acquiescence. These responses have drawbacks and strengths when discussing conflict resolution. Avoidance, in general, can be effective when emotions and temper are high. Anything that brings a break in the high time of emotions can allow the conflicting parties to cool off. With this, reflecting and considering trying something different can be more constructive strategy towards managing the dispute. There are cases when a person may come to a conclusion that his attempt to cope with the specific problem is probable to be counter-productive and want not to engage in the conflict at the high time.

On the other hand, considering that a conflict will dissolve on its own is a sign that there lies a difficulty in acknowledging and accepting the existence of a problem. The other response can be confrontation with the conflict. It involves responding to the belief that one of the parties is right and ...