IDEA Mediation
Mediation is an informal, voluntary process offered by the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) to parents and public agencies as mandated by Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Public agencies include the Local Educational Agency (LEA), also known as a school district, or other public agencies that have responsibility for providing education to students with disabilities. If both the public agency and the parent agree to participate in the mediation process, an OPI appointed impartial mediator helps the parties resolve disagreements relating to any matter under the IDEA or implementing Montana special education law. The goal is for the parties to work together to enter into a written agreement, finding a solution that is in the best interest of the student. Mediation may be requested before or at the same time a request for a due process hearing is filed. Both parties must sign the written request for mediation.
Although parties are not required to use OPI’s IDEA Mediation Request form, it is available to assist with the process. For more information, please contact the Dispute Resolution Office for Special Education at (406) 444-2046.