Eleven years later NAME estimates the number of programs at well over 5,000. Other programs have expanded similarly. The New Mexico Center for Dispute Resolution has carried out a statewide school mediation program for 10 years and currently involves over 30,000 students. Educators primarily learn about conflict resolution on their own or through staff development programs. The issue of whether teachers can conduct peer mediation and other conflict resolution programs without training is a central question.
Training is viewed as necessary due to the difficulty in changing adult attitudes and behavior.
Without sufficient training to address teachers' own behavior, there is the danger that the adults' words will not match their actions. In Massachusetts one source is the Office of the Attorney General. Some states, such as Ohio, sponsor dispute resolution centers or commissions. University faculty based in special programs or in schools of law, education, or public justice provide training. Other issues arising in the preparation of inservice teachers echo problems encountered in any change effort.