2025 SELPA ADR Conference - Synergy in Action!

Relationships are formed through cycles of interaction across an intersection of time, physical space, situation, external forces, and of course the people involved. What happens when these interactions clash?  Well, misunderstanding, due process filings, and ultimately broken trust, just to name a few. Understanding relationships across intersecting identity markers is imperative work as schools frequently act as hosts of shared spaces - whether it’s parent-teacher conferences, IEP meetings, re-entry meetings, staff meetings, etc…These become opportunities for intentions and impacts to collide. One’s ability to “read the room” is a critical alternative dispute resolution skill that can empower individuals to develop, foster and even rewrite relationships.

Taking time to unpack a tone of voice or body language in yourself and in others can help disentangle emotion from intention, making the path to a solution clearer. This approach allows IEP and meeting facilitators alike to move past the armament donned by those within contentious meetings and see what is at the center of their intention.

Operating from this space helps de-escalate and move towards solutions that address what is really being talked about. This interactive workshop will help you develop skills to facilitate dialogue with stakeholders to help them develop reflective solutions that empower rather than leave them as passive participants.