1. to act as arbiter upon (a disputed question) : to settle (a dispute between two people or groups) after hearing the arguments and opinions of both. 1. To judge or decide in or as in the manner of an arbitrator: arbitrate a dispute between neighbors. 2.To make an official decision that ends a legal disagreement between people or groups without the need for the disagreement to be solved in court. Arbitration helps you resolve disputes without going to court. Arbitration is a formal method of dispute resolution involving a third party neutral who makes a binding decision. To mediate between two disagreeing parties; to help two disagreeing parties to resolve their differences. The arbitrator conducts a hearing in which parties present witnesses, documents, and evidence in support of their case. The word arbitrate can also be used in a more general way meaning "to determine or settle a dispute," similar to the word mediate. Framework for arbitration is set out in General Laws c. All children in Massachusetts public schools who are not proficient in English shall be taught English.