Alternative dispute resolution: Panacea or anathema?

Article consists of mostly early theory about effectiveness of mediation.  Author believes that special ed. disputes are one of the more appropriate contexts for mediation.  Cites Singer & Nace study and states that special ed. mediation is successful in resolving the majority of these disputes, and that parents are positive about outcomes and process.  Author believes that parents and educators, not courts, are the appropriate parties to resolve special ed disputes.