Special Education Mediation
A neutral, impartial,
trained mediator may
be sought voluntarily
by parents and school
staff to assist in their
negotiations with each
other. That assistance
to convene and conduct
a meeting to
clarify issues, focus on the needs of a child,
and to explore and evaluate
possible solutions in a confidential setting is
mediation.
Mediators are trained neutrals, skilled in helping people to hear and understand each other and to work jointly to find solutions to difficult issues in special education. Mediators do not take the role of anyone's advocate, but support and assist everyone in the negotiation process.
- Overview of Mediation brochure (PDF)
- Comparison of Mediation and Hearings (PDF)
- Administration of the Virginia Special Education Mediation System (PDF)
- Frequently Asked Questions About Mediation-This is a Word document.
- Frequently Asked Questions - Confidentiality-This is a Word document.
Facilitated IEPs
- Facilitated IEPs-This is a PDF document.
- Request for a Facilitated IEP Meeting-This is a PDF document.
Preparing for Mediation
As individuals prepare for a mediation, typically they have many questions. To facilitate preparation activities, the Virginia Department of Education requested Art Stewart, a coordinator for many years of a statewide special education mediation system, to identify those questions asked frequently by disputants and to formulate responses to them.
- Preparing for a Special Education Mediation (PDF)
- Approaching Negotiations (What should I think about...) (PDF)
- List of Practicing Mediators
- Mediation Services Request Form (PDF) | (Word)
- What Can You Expect When You Mediate? (PDF)