This document presents guidelines for Maine special education complaint investigation procedures. The introduction stresses the requirement that complaints must be in writing and must state that an educational agency or service provider has violated a requirement of the 1997 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or Maine special education…

Recognizes the benefits of mediation for easing special education conflicts, but addresses the inconsistencies and ambiguities created by the 1997 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Recommends that state and local education agencies use mediators certified in sophisticated mediation techniques, schooled in…

In response to Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments (1997), the Virginia Department of Education implemented a statewide mediation system that includes eight mediators to resolve parent-school conflicts involving special-education issues. An impartial third party helps disputants reach agreement in a nonthreatening atmosphere.…

This article discusses the development of mediation as an alternative to litigation in resolving special education disputes. It describes the successes and challenges associated with special education mediation cases in Missouri prior to the 1997 IDEA amendments, which require such intervention, with an examination of four specific cases.…

This pamphlet describes, from an administrators perspective, the advantages and disadvantages of mediation to solve special education disputes between parents and schools. It first notes mediation requirements under the 1997 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Act whenever a due process hearing has been requested, as well as…

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Amendments of 1997 mandated a shift from reactive strategies toward proactive interventions with students who experience both disability and behavioral challenges. The author describes how the methodology of Life Space Crisis Intervention can provide a source of data for functional assessment…

This document is intended to assist states in implementing the mediation requirements in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as amended in 1997. These provisions include parent participation in collaborative decision-making and the right of parents to challenge decisions about their child's education program. Increased use of…

This manual is designed to familiarize mediators with the mediation process and what will occur during a mediation session. Information is provided on the following topics: (1) mediation in special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; (2) advantages of mediation;…

This document is a compendium of Colorado special education administrative decisions issued in 1996 and 1997, including decisions of impartial hearing officers (IHOs), state level reviews, and federal complaints officers. An index is provided which lists the decisions by key topics. The full text of each decision is preceded by a case summary that…

This report presents an analysis of the results of a survey of State Directors of Special Education on their state mediation systems. It notes requirements under the 1997 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that a mediation process must be available to parents desiring its use in conflict resolution. This report…

This paper describes causes of special education conflict and explores alternative conflict management approaches being pioneered by state education agencies and school districts. The focus is on early informal dispute resolution strategies as alternatives to due process hearings and mediation. Problems with both due process hearings and mediation…

Designed for parents of students with disabilities living in Oregon, this brochure describes the general mediation process that parents can use to resolve special education services disputes with schools. It begins by discussing what mediation is and the characteristics of a trained mediator. It addresses the requirement for making mediation…

This compilation includes a variety of perspectives and resources on providing appropriate and effective programs and services for young children with autism and their families. It is designed for use by state-level early intervention and early childhood special education staff, local service providers, training and technical assistance providers,…

This document is intended to provide educators with guidance and strategies to increase the participation of families from diverse backgrounds in mediation programs to settle differences about educational programs for children with disabilities. Introductory information discusses what mediation is, who mediators are, a typical mediation process,…

This booklet, for parents of children with disabilities in Colorado, outlines the rights guaranteed to parents under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as amended in 1997. An introduction provides space for identifying a local contact person and notes the need to translate this information for parents whose language is other than…