For a dispute resolution strategy to successfully address any conflicts between teachers and parents, it should address the concerns of the involved parties without harming their relationship. The process should allow for constructive participation from the educators and parents. As well, considering how time and finance-strapped parents and teachers are likely to be, it should take as little time as possible and be as inexpensive as possible. It should also be sensitive to the needs of parents and teachers from diverse backgrounds.
A due process hearing enables parents and educators to put forth their cases. This is an administrative hearing that involves a fact-finding process much like a trial. While the participants don’t need a lawyer to go through this process, it may be better to get one. Considering the time and cost involved in a due process hearing, parents and teachers tend to use this process to resolve special education conflicts only if they have to. Another disadvantage is that this process generally is not geared to the emotional aspects of the conflict which means that relationships between parents and teachers could become strained so they see each other as adversaries. This is not in the best interests of students in special education.
Considering the negative aspects of a due process hearing, parents and educators may decide to come to a settlement before going through with the hearing. This enables them to sort out their differences and move forward with the task of educating the student. Typically, the school district’s representatives and the parents meet at this sort of resolution meeting. The parents explain what the problem is and the school district attempts to address the issue. In case the parties come to an agreement, they draw up a written agreement about how they will solve the issue.
The mediation process involves using a mediator to discuss the issue. Both parents and educators have a chance to talk about their concerns with a trained mediator who is supposed to be neutral. A parent can act on behalf of her child at a mediation. On the school's side, not everyone is authorized to reach a decision at a mediation. This means the school should send an authorized representative. The mediator gets their input and helps them come to a solution.