Examined were the expectations and characteristics of the parents in 25 families involved with due process concerning the education of their learning disabled, emotionally disturbed, gifted, or speech impaired children (7-21 years old). Families availing themselves of the appeals process under Chapter 766 (a Massachusetts law providing for the special educational needs of handicapped children) were interviewed to determine beliefs about the child and education in general, attitudes concerning the child's needs, their sense of empathy, technical competence to understand the law, their child's needs, and the school's position. School variables such as quality of the evaluation and development of an educational plan were considered, as well as key variables in communication between school and parent. Findings included the following: 75% of those who requested a hearinq expected that they could win; all parents were apprehensive; generally the schools had more resources than the parents (counsel and witnesses); the procedure was costly in terms of money and anxiety; and 80% underwent a process of self-education related to their child's special need. (IM)