Dear Visitors:
Federal funding for this website ended in 2003, therefore few materials have been added since that time. Fortunately, there is continued interest in culturally and appropriate materials, curriculum, and programs. Because of this, we have allowed this site to remain as an archive. Please feel free to use this site, but recognize that it is no longer current.
Federal funding for this website ended in 2003, therefore few materials have been added since that time. Fortunately, there is continued interest in culturally and appropriate materials, curriculum, and programs. Because of this, we have allowed this site to remain as an archive. Please feel free to use this site, but recognize that it is no longer current.
When
All The Doors Seem Locked...
Indiana Speical Education Mediation Could be The Key
- SOMETIMES,
parents are confused about their child's special education program or placement. - SOMETIMES,
parents feel that school or agency personnel are not listening to them. - SOMETIMES,
parents and the school or agency seek a way to resolve conflicts other than a due process hearing, a way that is less stressful, less adversarial and less expensive. - SOMETIMES,
parents and schools or agencies want an agreement resulting from mutual understanding rather than a decision imposed upon them.
Mediation in Special Education
The Key
- Resolves disagreements concerning the identification, evaluation or educational placement of students with a disability.
- Clarifies the issues which are causing the disagreement.
- Provides the opportunity for all parties to present their points of view.
- Stimulates mutual problem solving efforts.
- Promotes positive relationships between parents and the school or agency personnel.
- Helps parents and school or agency personnel focus on what they have in common—the student—rather than on the issues that divide them.
Mediation in Special Education is:
- intended to resolve conflicts between parents and schools regarding a student's special education program.
- a process that uses professionally trained mediators to guide the participants toward a mutually satisfactory solution in the best interests of the student.
- requested by the student's parent, guardian or educational surrogate parent and the school or agency personnel.
- more structured than a parent-school conference, but less formal than a due process hearing.
The Special Education Mediation Process is:
- VOLUNTARY.
It is optional for both parties. - CONFIDENTIAL.
It opens communication in a confidential setting. There is no public disclosure of information by either party. - AT NO COST TO EITHER PARTY.
The Indiana Department of Education bears all costs related to mediation. - AN ALTERNATIVE.
It may occur prior to or concurrent with a request for a due process hearing. It does not interfere with either the right to due process or with due process timelines. - ENCOURAGED.
Section 300.506 of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (Public Law 101-476) encourages the use of mediation in special education disputes.
Administered by:
Indiana Department of Education
Division of Special Education
Room 229, State House
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2798
(317) 232-0570
FIRST STEPS
Bureau of Child Development
Division of Family and Children
402 W. Washington
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
(317) 232-1144 or 1 (800) 441-7837 (1-800-441-STEP)
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign