Straus Faculty Present at the 2026 SELPA Administrators of California ADR Conference

Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution managing director David Dowling and professor of law in practice and faculty director Stephanie Blondell presented at the 2026 SELPA Administrators of California ADR Conference in Riverside, California, on March 19–20. This year’s theme, The Power of Partnership: Shaping Inclusive Solutions for Every Student, highlighted the critical role of collaboration in achieving meaningful and inclusive outcomes for students across special education systems.

Professor Dowling led two engaging and interactive sessions focused on strengthening relationships within IEP teams. In The Bridge Between Us: Rebuilding Trust in IEP Teams, he explored how trust, essential to effective collaboration, is built, challenged, and restored among educators, administrators, and parents. Through real-world examples, participants examined practical strategies for repairing relationships, fostering transparency, and moving from conflict toward a shared purpose to support student success.

In his second session, Peacemakers Needed, Professor Dowling emphasized the importance of mindset in navigating difficult conversations. He encouraged participants to view themselves as peacemakers, equipped with tools to bring calm, curiosity, and compassion into high-stakes discussions. The session introduced communication techniques and reframing strategies to help transform tension into collaboration, reinforcing the idea that every voice plays a vital role in shaping inclusive solutions.

Professor Blondell presented Working with Attorneys: A Guide for Non-Attorneys, offering practical guidance to educators and administrators who regularly interact with legal counsel. Her session demystified the role of attorneys in the special education process and provided strategies for effective communication, preparation, and collaboration. This session gave participants confidence in navigating these interactions with clarity and professionalism, ultimately supporting more productive and student-centered outcomes.