The study examined procedures utilized in 28 elementary schools in Montgomery County (Maryland) when a student is found to have academic or behavioral problems that make functioning in the regular classroom difficult. The study examined one part of special education--how the school system initially identifies students for special services. The…

The article gives parents of a handicapped child a five step problem solving approach to solving conflict with the child's school. (DB)

One of the most difficult and time-consuming set of problems school administrators face each day has to do with student discipline. This manual provides a series of suggestions on ways that successful schools and administrators deal with discipline problems. Models and examples included are intended to stimulate and assist practicing…

This study examines how homosexual men and women deal with interpersonal conflict. Subjects (N=122) were asked to describe a conflict involving homosexuality and to rate the civil liberties and psychological issues involved. Results are discussed in terms of choices of issues for resolving conflict through negotiation. Implications for counseling…

Extended research on procedural justice by examining effects of a due-process performance-appraisal system on (government) employees' and managers' reactions. Employee-management pairs were randomly assigned to either a due-process appraisal system or the existing one. Although due-process employees received lower evaluations, both employees and…

Mediation, in which a neutral third party helps two people come up with their own solutions, is being used to settle faculty and staff grievances. Experiences at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Duke University, Emory University, and the University of Cincinnati are described. (MLW)

Mediation in special education is a process intended to assist parents, schools, and agencies in resolving disagreements regarding the special education program of a student with disabilities. A trained mediator works with the parties to guide them toward a mutually satisfactory solution that meets the best interests of the student. This occurs at…

Guidelines and suggestions are given to help school professionals avoid formal due process proceedings concerning the education of exceptional children. Methods for resolving conflicts early include trust building, empathic listening, and structured problem-solving. (Author/MSE)

Presents a forum in which students can voice their concerns about the future to community decision makers. A plan is suggested for organizing a Children's Hearing through one school or a collaborative effort of several schools. Steps include data gathering and organization, analysis and synthesis, preparation for the hearing, and the hearing…

Involves upper elementary students in a problem-solving activity that raises questions about who should have the right to a lawyer in a criminal case. Students discuss the importance of the right to due process in a criminal proceeding as well as in other situations. Defines due process and includes a handout on protections in the Bill of Rights.…

If a university is to respond effectively to campus sexual harassment problems, a comprehensive, proactive program of prevention education and complaint resolution must be in place. The University of Hawaii at Manoa has developed such formalized assistance for student and employee victims of harassment through prevention education, supportive…

This paper discusses alternatives to court litigation in special education disputes between schools and parents of students with disabilities. It begins by describing problems with the current hearing process and dispelling myths about alternative dispute resolutions (ADR). The advantages and disadvantages of mediation are then outlined, along…

Designed for parents of students with disabilities living in Oregon, this brochure describes the general mediation process that parents can use to resolve special education services disputes with schools. It begins by discussing what mediation is and the characteristics of a trained mediator. It addresses the requirement for making mediation…

This report discusses findings of a study that investigated the resolution of disputes in the field of special education. Information was collected from ten states (Alabama, California, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming) on their current dispute resolution systems and from two additional states…

This article describes how parents may use individualized education program reviews, prehearing conferences, and mediation to resolve parent-school disputes in accordance with Public Law 94-142's due process hearing system. Specific guidelines for meetings with school personnel are offered. Examples are given of prehearing conferences and parents'…