An Overview of the Effective Use of Alternative Dispute Resolution in Education

Abstract

This article presents a brief overview of the current forms of alternative dispute resolution available in educational settings, along with insight into their development and success. In this article, I assess the influence of early alternative dispute resolution procedures in terms of their relevance to the settlement of conflicts within schools and universities. I provide this assessment as an author who has served as an arbitrator/mediator for over 20 years and has served in over 1,000 cases. The article is intended as a primer for educators who wish to become familiar with the various forms of alternative dispute resolution and the part that they can play in reducing the financial, emotional, and time costs associated with conflict resolution processed through the courts.