Mediation under IDEA is designed to provide an opportunity for which of the following?

• A. To encourage parents to help write measurable goals for their child's IEP
• B. To ensure that parents can bring an attorney to any meetings that include school district representatives
• C. To provide an opportunity for parents and a school district to meet voluntarily to resolve a conflict
• D. To outline the process for taking a school district to court when the parents disagree with their child's placement

Answer: (C)

Mediation under IDEA is a voluntary, confidential process in which a neutral mediator helps parents and school district staff discuss concerns and work toward a mutually acceptable agreement about a child’s special education services. The purpose is to provide an opportunity for the parties to meet voluntarily and negotiate a settlement to resolve disagreements, ideally avoiding a formal due process hearing. While attorneys may be present, the aim is the facilitated dialogue and any resulting agreement, not to compel court action or dictate goals. If an agreement is reached, it becomes part of the child's plan; if not, the dispute can proceed to other dispute-resolution avenues.