What does the term "alternative dispute resolution" mean in the context of education?

The term "alternative dispute resolution" (ADR) in the context of education refers to methods for resolving disputes outside of formal court proceedings, such as mediation and arbitration. These approaches are designed to facilitate a collaborative and less adversarial environment for addressing conflicts, which can include issues arising between students, parents, teachers, and administrators.

ADR methods, like mediation, involve a neutral third party helping the conflicting parties to reach a mutually acceptable resolution. This can be especially valuable in educational settings where maintaining relationships and open communication is crucial for a positive learning environment. By opting for ADR, schools can resolve disputes more quickly and with less expense than traditional litigation, supporting a focus on education and community instead of legal battles.

In contrast, formal trials or disciplinary actions constitute more structured and adversarial processes, which may not be conducive to amicable resolutions. Internal investigations, while informative and necessary in some contexts, are not synonymous with dispute resolution but rather focus on gathering facts surrounding a situation.