Pete and Pam Wright Parents complain about the high cost of resolving special education disputes. School districts complain about skyrocketing legal fees. IDEA 97 Includes a NEW Provision That Encourages Parents and School Districts to Use Mediation to Resolve Disputes. I support mediation - if the mediator is and remains neutral through the process. Pam has also received mediation training.
Mediators help people resolve disputes without litigation.
Mediators do not have to be knowledgeable about special education law and practice. Mediators do need to be properly trained and supervised. Mediators are not arbitrators. In many states, divorcing couples are encouraged to use mediation. Mediators facilitate communication between people in conflict.