9 tips on how to prepare for mediation

In mediation, you and the school work together to solve a dispute with the help of someone who doesn’t take sides — a mediator. These tips can help you get ready for the meeting.

1. Organize your child’s records.

Being organized will help you get the most out of mediation. Start by checking your child’s school records. You may want to ask the school to give you copies. (You can use our sample letter to ask for records.) Once you have the records, arrange them by date and by type of document. Here are some examples of documents to gather: Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), evaluations, letters, report cards, and informal progress reports. Make a list of the documents with a summary of each.

2. Decide who comes to mediation.

Make sure a school administrator with decision-making power will be there, as well as another school employee who’s familiar with school services. You may want to ask particular teachers to attend. (For example, if your child is having trouble in art class, you can request that the art teacher attend.) You’re allowed to bring a lawyer, an education advocate, and other experts, but you usually have to pay them. You can also just bring along a friend — maybe one who’s gone through the process before. If you bring a lawyer, the school must have a lawyer there, too, so you have to tell them ahead of time. In general, it’s good to avoid surprises.

3. Set a time and place that work for you.

Ask the school to set a time and place for the mediation. The location — usually a conference room — should be big enough for everyone. Mediations can last an entire day, so check that the scheduled time is long enough. Set aside enough time to arrive a little early and have some time afterwards. For a preview of the process, read about what happens at a mediation session.

4. Outline your child’s case.

To have a successful mediation, you need to understand your child’s case. Begin by going through your child’s records. Identify your child’s challenges and the effect they have in school. Look at what the school has done to help your child. Then look at what the experts have suggested for your child. Compare your child’s progress to goals that have been set. Think about what you want the school to do and why you believe it would help your child. Using this information, write an outline of your child’s case.

5. Prepare your evidence.

Evidence is an important part of your case. Start by marking documents that you want to show at the meeting. For example, if the IEP report says the school’s program is not working, you’ll want to highlight that. Other evidence may include report cards, test scores, and evaluations. Also think about evidence that may not be as obvious, such as discipline reports and letters or emails from teachers. Use the documents to help you prepare to respond to the school’s arguments.

6. Learn the law.

Being effective in mediation means you need to learn how the law applies to your child. You may not be a lawyer, but you can learn what a free appropriate public education means. Review your legal rights, such as prior written notice and the powerful “stay put” right, which keeps services in place during a dispute. When a school sees that you understand the law, they’re more likely to reach an agreement with you.

7. Write a 5- to 10-minute opening statement.

Most mediations give you time to give a statement. This is when you briefly tell your side and say what you want. Write this in advance. Include facts that support your case, as well as any times you believe the school didn’t follow the law. You can discuss your concerns and your child’s emotions. But don’t attack administrators — focus on your child’s needs. When you decide what to ask for, make sure you understand your rights under the law.

8. Practice negotiating.

Mediation involves formal back-and-forth conversation with the school. So it may help to work on your negotiation skills. Start by reading about strategies for informal negotiation. It’s also important to practice. Read your opening statement out loud several times. Have a friend or an expert you trust play-act as the school officials. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll feel.

9. Think about how the process could end up.

Because mediation is something you volunteer to do, you may have to compromise to reach an agreement with the school. Before the mediation, think about what you can accept. Don’t tell the school this, but you might want to tell the mediator privately. In addition, keep an open mind in case the school or mediator comes up with a solution you didn’t think of.