Justice, understanding, and mediation: When talk works, should we ask for more?

The author discusses special education disputes and what parents hope to gain by participating in the process. Research suggests that procedural justice is important to parents.  They need the opportunity to voice their concerns, have those concerns acknowledged, and be treated with dignity and respect. Parents are also seeking a fair and just result. Additionally, the author traces the legal history of special education law and points to her research and personal experience as Director of Pennsylvania's special education mediation system in reflecting on mediation's potential in this area.