Mediation and ADR
Special education mediation
Also called IDEA mediation
Free, voluntary mediation that states must offer parents and schools for disputes under the federal special education law, the IDEA, conducted by a qualified and impartial mediator.[1]
In more detail
Under the federal rule, the state keeps a list of qualified mediators, the mediator can't be an employee of the school district or state agency involved, and discussions stay confidential.[1] An agreement must be in writing, signed and enforceable in court.[1] It can't be used to deny or delay a parent's right to a due process hearing.[1][2]
Varies by state
States run their own programs within the federal rules; the state education agency's site has the details. Find your state’s rules.
Related terms
- Individualized education program (IEP)A written statement for each child with a disability, developed, reviewed and revised in a meeting under the federal special education rules.
- Due process complaintA formal complaint a parent or school district can file under the federal special education law about a child's identification, evaluation, placement or free appropriate public education.
- MediationA process in which a neutral mediator helps the parties communicate and negotiate so they can reach their own voluntary agreement.
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Sources
The official documents this definition is based on, with the date we last read each one. Definitions are in our own words.
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MediationList. (2026, October 28). Special education mediation: Definition. https://mediationlist.com/glossary/special-education-mediation/
APA 7th ed. A retrieval date is included only for pages whose content changes, such as maps, data and tools.