If it becomes evident that an agreement cannot be reached, the mediator terminates the session. Mediation is a confidential process. At the conclusion of the mediation, all mediator notes are destroyed. Mediators will not willingly testify in any future legal proceedings regarding the dispute. Federal regulations and the OSPI Special Education section recognize the value of mediation as a conflict resolution procedure or as an alternative to a due process hearing.
Mediation is voluntary for both parents and school districts.
Your decision to participate or to not participate in mediation does not restrict future legal action you may take. Establish a legitimate alternative to due process hearings. Encourage mutual problem-solving efforts. Decrease the costs associated with special education litigation. After gathering pertinent information from the caller, the intake coordinator will call the other party to determine willingness to mediate.