When parents and educators do not agree: Using mediation to resolve conflicts about special education. A guidebook for parents.

This booklet for parents, in question and answer format, provides basic information on the mediation process in the resolution of conflicts between parents and educators concerning special education. The first section is intended to help parents decide if mediation is the appropriate route in their situation. It addresses such topics as how mediation differs from a due process hearing, how mediation differs from other meetings with educators, why parents should consider mediation, who mediators are, avenues in addition to mediation available to the parent, the relationship of mediation to the child's individualized education program, costs of mediation, consequences if mediation does not result in a written agreement, and changing the mediation agreement. The second section is on preparing for and participating in mediation. It considers: location and time of the mediation, participants, the value of legal help, preparing for a mediation, what happens at a mediation, and decision making. The third section outlines the stages of the mediation process, illustrated by an example. A listing of mediation "do's" and "don'ts" as well as definitions for words commonly used in the mediation process complete the booklet. (ERIC)