1. The Alternative Dispute Resolution Program at SFUSD
SFUSD in collaboration with
The Bay Area Mediation Services Program of The Bar Association of San Francisco
Presented to Content Specialists and Supervisors

2. What is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)?
An alternative process for disputants to discuss differences and find resolution
Less formal, faster & cheaper than going to Due Process hearing
Confidential and completely optional, voluntary
Especially recommended in situations in which a relationship must endure beyond the point of conflict, e.g. divorcing parents
Alternative Dispute Resolution boasts a high level of satisfaction among participants generally because of the control parents have over the process

3. Why ADR at SFUSD?
Districts chosen for grant had the highest number of compliance complaints
ADR has been shown in other school districts to reduce the level of tension and conflict between parents and the school district
Help prevent conflict and disruptions in the parent-teacher-school district relationship at present and in the future

4. Who are The Bar Association Special Education Facilitators?
Special Education Facilitators (SEF Panel) are certified mediators with the Bar Association’s Bay Area Mediation Program
They have received 15 hours of specialized training in special education law and the culture of parental and school district relations
Also, specialized training has been provided in the kinds of complaints parents have brought in the special education context and the frustrations, tensions and culture that can bring about difficulties and complaints

5. What is the Collaborative Conference ADR Program?
The ‘Collaborative Conference’ is a 2-hour, a no-attorney zone for the confidential discussion of complaints, including formal complaints lodged with the California Department of Education
A skilled, experienced facilitator certified in mediation practice and trained in the policies, procedures and law of special education facilitates the informal meeting
The Collaborative Conference is voluntary, optional and completely confidential (facilitator notes are destroyed; nothing said can be used in any other forum)

6. Continuum of ADR at SFUSD
Ombudsperson – Laura Savage investigates complaints, proposes solutions and negotiates with all parties
ADR Collaborative Conferences
Collaborative Coaching for district too!
As needed, up to two hours weekly of consultation for CM, CS and Supervisors on communication and resolution strategies for complaints
Facilitation
Neutral third party facilitates communication and problem solving (coming soon!)

7. Checklist before requesting ADR
Case Manager contacts the family to discuss concerns
Notify the Principal and (s)he contacts the family
Content Specialist is notified and contacts the family
Be sure your Special Education Supervisor is aware of the parent and/or school site’s concerns
If the parent has had prior contact with Support for Families (SFCD), CAC or the district Ombudsperson, suggest parents contact them for support, Case Manager may reach out as well

8. Thank you 