DC Appleseed is working with the DC Public Schools to reduce reliance on litigation by parents and schools, so children with special education needs get the education they deserve more quickly, and school funds are spent on education, not lawyers' fees. With the endorsement of the D.C. Board of Education, we are moving forward with several initiatives, including: 1) the development of an independent mediation program for the DC Public Schools; 2) training for DCPS staff to help them communicate more effectively with parents and their advocates; and 3) a pilot program that will provide early dispute resolution training and services in a small number of DC schools, with the ultimate goal of implementing selected strategies citywide. Pro bono support for our efforts has been provided by DLA Piper LLP.