The mediators assigned to the Special Education cases have had additional specialized training. Beyond that, mediation is for finding out together what the problem is, what solutions are available, and what is agreeable to all who are concerned. Mediation is in the present rather than proving something in the past. Also, mediation is interest based and all the parties who have agreed to talk have an interest in the problem. The needs or interests of all the participants are supposed to be met.
Parties only agree to what they feel is in their own interest.
No decisions or recommendations are imposed. If the Nebraska Department of Education pays for this they will have a vested interest or expect to have certain results. The statute establishing the Office of Dispute Resolution also specifies that no one can be denied services because of inability to pay. The Nebraska Department of Education wants to facilitate the use of mediation at the earliest possible stages. The Nebraska Department of Education also encourages parties who are entrenched in a problem to consider mediation or facilitated discussions for clarification, goal setting, communication, or rebuilding a working relationship.