The goal of this program is to prepare participants as mediators assisting parents and school staff resolve disputes for the benefit of the child’s educational needs. Emphasis is placed on facilitative mediation styles.

Mediation aids the parties in resolving disputes that may arise between families of students with disabilities and schools. Mediation is voluntary and confidential. The neutral mediator fosters a cooperative discussion. The parties alone make the final decisions.

Legal requirements for mediation

IDEA requires that state departments of education offer Local Educational Agencies (LEAs, generally school districts) and parents the opportunity to participate in mediation to settle any disagreements between them. [20 U.S.C. 1415(e); 34 CFR 300.506]

IDEA requires state departments to:

• Maintain a list of qualified mediators who are knowledgeable about special education law and trained in mediation techniques;
• Compensate the mediators, so that the process is free to both parents and school districts;
• Establish and implement procedures for facilitating mediation.