The Peacemakers Program

Initiative Description: The Peacemakers Program, a school‐based intervention for students in grades four through eight. The program included a primary prevention component delivered by teachers and a remedial component implemented by school psychologists and counselors with referred students. The teacher‐delivered component consisted of a psychoeducational curriculum and procedures for infusing program content into the school environment.

Study Results: Positive program effects on knowledge of psychosocial skills, self‐reported aggression, and teacher‐reported aggression, a 41% decrease in aggression‐related disciplinary incidents and a 67% reduction in suspensions for violent behavior. On some outcome variables, intervention effects were stronger for boys than girls.

Reference: Shapiro, J. P., Burgoon, J. D., Welker, C. J., & Clough, J. B. (2002). Evaluation of the peacemakers program: School- based violence prevention for students in grades four through eight. Psychology in the Schools, 39(1), 87-100

Level of Evidence: Very Good