Iowa Department of Education

After a due process hearing is requested, all parties have the option to ask for a mediation with a trained, impartial mediator. The mediator works with the parties to try and reach an agreement to resolve issues without having a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge.

Legal Requirements and Reports

The following spreadsheet shows the number of mediations held during the previous school year.
 Summary Reports from July 1 2005 to June 30 2006 (2007-01-17)

Advisory Group

The following is the list of special education mediators used by the Department of Education
Mediators (2006-11-02)

Guiding Practices

These standards adopted by the Department of Education for the special education mediators who handle Mediations and Preappeal Conferences.
Model Standards of Conduct for Mediators (2006-11-02)

Supporting Documents

This is the form signed by all parties at a mediation agreeing to the process and stating an agreement reached is legally binding.
Agreement to Mediate (2006-11-02)

Contacts in your Area

These are lists and contact sheets of agencies and individuals you may talk to about the conflict resolution processes offered by the Department and the AEA.

AEA Special Education Directors List (2006-11-02)

Parent Letter for Free or Low-cost Legal and Advocacy Services (2006-11-02)

 Quick Reference List of Resources for Iowans with Disabilities & Family Members (2006-11-02)

Supporting Links

These are lists of agencies--not related to the Department of Education --that can assist you with a variety of special education issues.

Parent Training and Information Center
http://www.askresource.org

The Legal Center for Special Education
http://www.askresource.org/tlc/index.html

HAWK-I (Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa)
http://www.hawk-i.org/

Iowa Compass
http://www.medicine.uiowa.edu/iowacompass/

Consortium for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE)
http://www.directionservice.org/cadre/

Contacts

Dee Ann Wilson, Consultant
515-281-5766
deeann.wilson@iowa.gov

Thomas Mayes, Consultant
515-242-5614
Thomas.Mayes@iowa.gov