Mediators continue to debate the goals and interventions that should characterize the mediation process. But isn't mediation supposed to serve the needs of the parties? Shouldn't their voices influence the "look" of the mediation process that is institutionalized? This workshop will present empirical data--drawn from questionnaires, in-depth interviews and observations of parents and school officials participating in special education mediation--to discover what these parties value most about the process and the mediator. The data also will be examined to find areas of concern. Ultimately, the workshop will suggest how the voices of participants can appropriately influence selection of mediators, training and evaluation.
The Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education
Supporting the prevention and resolution of disputes through partnership and collaboration