HOME > EDUCATION > FAQ
Education Mediation - FAQs
My child’s school and I cannot agree on my child’s education. What are my options?
For either an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504, the child’s parents and the district need to reach consensus as to the educational approach for the child. When consensus cannot be reached, Mediation Northwest recommends either a facilitated meeting or a mediation.
What is the difference between a facilitated meeting and mediation?
A facilitated meeting is where an impartial party (i.e. Mediation Northwest) assists the team to find a solution to the problem and achieve consensus. During a facilitated meeting, the entire educational team is present. A facilitated meeting’s prime focus is making sure everyone’s voice is heard, and the process is followed. During a mediation, the only persons present are the parents and the decision-makers, which generally is the Director of Special Education and the case manager. Mediation’s prime focus is solving the differences without the confines of the meeting process or the confines of a large team.
Who pays for facilitation or mediation?
Depending upon the specifics of the case, the Oregon Department of Education may be financially responsible for the facilitation or mediation fees, or the district may be responsible for the fees involved. Regardless of which entity is paying the fees, Mediation Northwest prides itself in maintaining impartiality to the parties and the situation. We have become a premier provider of special education and 504 mediation and facilitation services be adhering to our ethical compass of impartiality, regardless of who pays the fees.
How Do I Request Facilitation or Mediation?
Any parent of a child enrolled in special education in Oregon schools may request mediation through the Oregon Department of Education. (Insert link: http://www.ode.state.or.us/) Additionally, many parents directly request facilitation or mediation through their district’s case manager or Special Education Director.
My District Is Suggesting Mediation or Facilitation. What Does That Mean?
Generally, when a district suggests a facilitated meeting, it is because the district representative recognizes that the meetings have become unproductive. Mediation Northwest’s goal is to keep the meeting moving in a productive manner, making sure everyone’s voices are heard, and focus the team on problem-solving in order to achieve consensus. Most importantly, though, as with all mediation and facilitation services, all parties must agree to use Mediation Northwest to provide mediation or facilitation services. So, if you are not comfortable with Mediation Northwest providing mediation or facilitation services, we will not be at your meeting.
http://www.ode.state.or.us/
|