Mediation
Advocacy & Dispute ResolutionDefinition
A voluntary, confidential process where a trained, impartial mediator helps parents and the school district reach a mutually acceptable agreement about a dispute. Mediation is offered at no cost to parents and can be requested at any time, not just when a due process complaint is filed. Agreements reached in mediation are legally binding.
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Ask the AI About MediationState-Specific Notes
Minnesota offers a unique "Conciliation Conference" step that can be requested before or instead of formal mediation.
New Jersey requires mediation to be offered before a due process hearing can proceed.
Laws vary by state. IEP Advocate.ai provides state-specific legal guidance for all 50 states.
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Related Terms
A formal legal proceeding where a parent or school district presents evidence before an impartial hearing officer to resolve a dispute about a child's identification, evaluation, placement, or provision of FAPE. Either party can request a due process hearing. Decisions are legally binding.
A written complaint filed with the state education agency alleging that a school district has violated IDEA. The state must investigate and issue a decision within 60 days. Unlike due process, anyone (not just parents) can file a state complaint, and it can address systemic issues affecting multiple students.
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