The MN Office of Dispute Resolution has issued its report on its activities in FY1999.
Cases continue to get more difficult, with people holding entrenched positions.
Mediators are having to work harder in helping parties move to resolution. Average time from request to mediation session increased to 29 days A primary cause is the crowded calendars of advocates. Program issues are most frequent topic IEP issues are second, FAPE and ESY third, and placement fourth. Forum provided for discussion is most frequently mentioned factor leading to agreement Advocate influence was second, and communication established third. Different perceptions of student's needs is most frequently cited reason for failure to reach resolution This was followed closely by lack of trust.