WESTFIELD – The Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) will host a workshop on special education mediation Nov. 7, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Westfield Technical Academy cafeteria. This workshop is an opportunity for parents to learn about the mediation process directly from Susan Singleton, mediator with the Board of Special Educational Appeals.
According to SEPAC parent volunteer Michele Douglas, parents may have heard the term “mediation” if they have ever partially or fully rejected an IEP. When an IEP is rejected the parent receives a letter from the Massachusetts Bureau of Special Education Appeals which explains the options to work directly with the local school district, or have mediation and a hearing.
“The SEPAC always encourages parents to work directly with the school district to attempt to resolve issues. But if an agreement cannot be made then mediation, an informal option that parents and the school district have, is a possible way to come to a consensus,” Douglas said.
Special education mediation is a process available at no cost through the Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA). When school personnel and parents disagree about the educational needs of a student with disabilities, either party may request mediation.
In mediation, an impartial, third party mediator helps parents and school staff clarify the issues and underlying concerns, explore interests, discuss options and reach mutually satisfying agreements that address the needs of the student. The mediator does not decide how to resolve the dispute – that is left in the hands of the parent(s) and the school personnel. When the parties resolve all or some of the issues, they work together with the mediator to put their agreement in writing.
This informal, collaborative problem-solving meeting encourages mutual respect, promotes communication and often provides the basis for positive working relationships between the parent(s) and school staff.
This workshop is an opportunity for parents to learn about the process directly from a mediator.
“We presented this workshop last year but felt that the information is important enough to present again,” Douglas said.
Child care will be provided. For more information, contact [email protected].
