STEP Center

Problem Solving – When Parents and School Disagree This topic has information for the parents about parent advocacy. Clicking on these links will take you away from the Anchorage School District's Web site. Each link will open in a new window.

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Problem Solving in Anchorage School District
Parent Advocacy
Mediation

Mediation

Considering Special Education Mediation
www.directionservice.org/cadre/medinfo.cfm
Mediation is a flexible way to resolve disagreements between school or early intervention (EI) systems and parents of children with disabilities. An impartial person, called a mediator, helps parents, educators and service providers to communicate more effectively and develop a written document that contains the details of their agreement. Participation in mediation is voluntary and confidential.

Special Education Mediation: A Guide for Parents
www.directionservice.org/cadre/ParentBooklet.cfm
This booklet, which is particularly aimed at parents and family members, provides an overview of the mediation process and how it works. Included is information on the benefits of mediation and how to prepare for mediation. It was jointly developed by the Alliance and CADRE.

Questions and Answers about Mediation
www.directionservice.org/cadre/idea/qaonmediation.htm
This document from CADRE provides answers to many parent and educator questions about mediation. CADRE is the National Center on Dispute Resolution, is funded by the United States Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs.