Families and schools: Resolving disputes through mediation.

This publication attempts to answer common questions that parents, teachers, administrators, and others have about mediation as a means of resolving conflicts between parents of a child with a disability and the school district. Four real life stories are used to show how experienced mediators use a variety of methods to help participants work out differences and come to agreement. Provided for each case are a brief overview, a summary of parent concerns, a summary of school concerns, and a detailed account of the mediation process. These summaries suggest the different aspects of mediation that lead eventually to agreement in the various cases including: (1) the opportunity for a full and respective airing of differences; (2) a caucus, although this is not necessary with every mediation; (3) agreeing to a solution for a trial period and then meeting to discuss next steps; (4) agreeing to bring in impartial experts; (5) a willingness to negotiate by all involved; and (6) maintaining the focus on the needs of the child. Contact information for three organizational resources is attached. (ERIC)