Mediation, a means of resolving conflicts between parties through the guidance of a third party, is increasingly viewed as an effective, cost-saving alternative to traditional litigation. While mediators generally charge the same hourly rate as lawyers, the speed with which matters can be resolved can make it tens of thousands of dollars cheaper than fighting it out in court. Ninety percent of all matters that start through our legal system are resolved by negotiated settlement. Now in its third decade, mediation has grown in depth and diversity. Schools, in particular, benefit from conflict resolution and peer mediation programs, which are flourishing in many districts.
Mediation has a positive impact on discipline and curriculum.
Teachers gain skills useful for teaching and class management, and students learn to take responsibility for their own actions. Conflict resolution and peer mediation programs lead to constructive problem solving. The most common use of mediation, however, is in separation and divorce matters. A divorcing couple will meet together with a mediator in a neutral, confidential setting. With the guidance of the mediator, a couple identifies issues, gathers information and explores potential resolutions.