Mediation and Special Education

This information was obtained from the Wrightslaw Website:

LEARNING ABOUT MEDIATION

When Congress amended the IDEA in 1997, they added mediation as a way to resolve disputes between parents and schools. What is mediation? How does it work? Can it help? Should you request mediation?

How are mediators trained? Are mediators really impartial? What do you need to know about mediation?

Parent-school disputes are similar to family disputes - a child is involved, the stakes are high, and emotions run strong. You need to learn about the mediation process, what mediation can and cannot accomplish. If you know how mediation works -- including pitfalls -- you'll be in a better position to use mediation successfully.

These articles will help you learn about mediation:

* The School Offered Mediation - What Should We Do? Letter from parents asking for advice about mediation. What should the parents do? How can they prepare?

School Mediation

Mediation: A Tactics & Strategy Session with Pete and Pam Wright

Learning to Negotiate is Part of the Advocacy Process by Vermont advocate Brice Palmer. Describes negotiation process, offers excellent advice about tactics and techniques.

Mediation Pitfalls - Dialogue Between Sonja Kerr and Pete Wright

WRIGHTSLAW - MEDIATION PAGE

Mediation Page with links to
* articles about mediation
* tactics & strategy info about mediation
* law about mediation
* recommended reading about mediation
Other Topics