Office of General Counsel, Special Education Mediation Program

Para leer esta página en español, haga clic aqui

The TEA Office ofÌýGeneral CounselÌýoversees the Special Education Mediation program. Parents and school districts can find information about the special education mediation program on this page.

Special Education Mediators

TEA provides aÌýlist of current special education mediatorsÌýand their qualifications.

Special Education Dispute Resolution Frequently Asked Questions

TEA designed theÌýSpecial Education Dispute Resolution HandbookÌýto assist parents, school officials, and other interested parties in understanding TEA's special education dispute resolution system. The handbook contains information about the mediation program including frequently asked questions. ItÌýis not intended to be legal advice. If you need legal advice about a special education matterÌýyou mayÌýcontact a private attorney. TEA cannot provide legal advice. The Special Education Dispute Resolution Handbook is also available in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Arabic.

Special Education Dispute Resolution Comparison of Services

TEA created a quick-reference document that provides parents and school districts with an overview of the options available for resolving disputes arising under federal and state special education law.Ìý It is not intended to interpret, modify, or replace any procedural safeguards provided by, or requirements of, federal or state law.Ìý The Special Education Dispute Resolution Comparison of Services Chart is also available in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Arabic.

Special Education MediationÌýSurvey

The special education mediators provide thisÌýspecial education mediation survey to parties following the completion of theÌýmediation process.

Mediation Request Form

A mediation request must be sent in writing to TEA by e-mail, mail, fax or hand delivery. TEA designed a model special education mediation request form. You are not required to use the model form, but TEA encourages its use. The mediation request must be e-mailed, mailed, hand-delivered or faxed to TEA. Although not required, TEA recommends that the requester also provide a copy to the other party.Ìý The special education mediation request form is also available in Spanish.

Other Mediation Resources and Information

The information below may also be helpful to you:

The provides information about special education mediation and other dispute resolution processes.Ìý

The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services' letter to TEA respondsÌýto TEA's inquiry about whether a state educational agency may dismiss claims raised in a state special education complaint that were released in a previous resolution session or mediation settlement agreement.

If you have a question about the mediation program contact Brittney Salaiz at Brittney.Salaiz@tea.texas.govÌý