Mediation
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Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process where a trained, impartial mediator helps a family and a school reach agreement on a special education dispute.
Topic: IDEA, law and procedure
In plain terms
IDEA requires every state to offer mediation at no cost to families. Both sides must agree to take part, and the mediator has no power to impose a decision. Discussions are confidential and cannot be used later as evidence in a hearing. If the parties reach agreement, they sign a written, legally binding agreement that can be enforced in court.
How it shows up in an IEP
Agreements reached in mediation often change the IEP: added services, a new goal, a different data collection plan or an independent evaluation. Teachers then implement the revised IEP like any other, so clear, measurable language in the agreement matters.
Example
A family and a district disagree about speech therapy minutes. In mediation they agree to 90 minutes a month for one semester, with a language sample at the start and end to decide what comes next.
The rule
Federal reference: 34 CFR §300.506.
Related terms
- Due process complaintA due process complaint is a formal request for a hearing before an impartial officer to resolve a special education dispute between a family and a school.
- State complaintA state complaint is a signed, written complaint to the state education agency alleging that a school or district violated a requirement of IDEA.
- Procedural safeguardsProcedural safeguards are the rights IDEA gives parents and students, and the steps schools must follow, to keep special education decisions fair.
- IEP teamThe IEP team is the group of people, including the parents, who develop, review and revise a student's IEP together.
This page describes special education terms and federal rules in general terms and is not legal advice. Our editorial policy explains how IEP Atlas writes and reviews content. Browse all 244 terms.