Advocacy & Consulting for Education

When there is a disagreement that prevents the parties from moving forward with the identification, evaluation, or placement of a child who is eligible or thought-to-be eligible for special education or gifted education, mediation can be requested. Mediation can be scheduled prior to or concurrent with a due process hearing request.

Your state is required to provide a system for mediating disputes on issues concerning special education. However, the decision on the part of parents, school districts or agencies to elect mediation is voluntary.

Mediation provides an effective way for parents and school personnel to resolve differences.

The process of mediating a dispute:

promotes a positive relationship between school personnel and parents

is inexpensive to all participants

is structured for mutual problem-solving

is less time-consuming than due process hearings