Check that the issue belongs to IDEA special education/EI/ECSE; a Section 504 dispute uses a different route. Read ODE's mediation handbook and linked request.
Existing instructions to review Starting point : Check that the issue belongs to IDEA special education/EI/ECSE; a Section 504 dispute uses a different route. Read ODE's mediation handbook and linked request.Who the instructions concern : Parties seeking to resolve IDEA special-education/EI/ECSE disputes. Mediation arrangements require the other party's agreement; this IDEA route is not a Section 504 complaint process.Prepare: ODE Request for Mediation: parent/student and district/program contacts, issues to resolve, dated signatures and parent information-sharing authorization as applicable. : ODE Request for Mediation: parent/student and district/program contacts, issues to resolve, dated signatures and parent information-sharing authorization as applicable.Prepare: Preparation suggestion: relevant IEP/IFSP, evaluations, written school communications and proposed solutions for the mediation conversation; these are not all stated as mandatory attachments. : Preparation suggestion: relevant IEP/IFSP, evaluations, written school communications and proposed solutions for the mediation conversation; these are not all stated as mandatory attachments.Publisher instruction 1 : Check that the issue belongs to IDEA special education/EI/ECSE; a Section 504 dispute uses a different route. Read ODE's mediation handbook and linked request.Publisher instruction 2 : Complete and sign the request, including the parent authorization as applicable. Confirm submission with ode.disputeresolution@ode.oregon.gov; the older linked form prints a legacy email address.Publisher instruction 3 : Keep the request and ask ODE to confirm receipt. ODE forwards the request to the other party and, if they agree, makes mediation arrangements. Confirm all separate filing deadlines independently.Submission instructions : Read ODE's handbook and complete the linked Request for Mediation, including signatures and the parent information-sharing authorization as applicable. Confirm submission with the current page contact, ode.disputeresolution@ode.oregon.gov; the linked older form prints a legacy email domain.Costs and fee questions : ODE's linked hearing information sheet says special-education mediation is available at no cost to parents and the district/program when parties agree. It does not establish free private attorney or expert services.After submission : Ask ODE to confirm receipt and whether the other party agreed. Keep scheduling messages and review any proposed agreement carefully; no mediation date or settlement is promised.Returned, denied or unresolved requests : The currently linked request form is older and uses ode.state.or.us, while the current page lists ode.oregon.gov. Confirm current delivery with ODE. Do not assume a request pauses a separate complaint/hearing deadline.Language, disability and offline access : Ask ODE before scheduling about interpretation, disability accommodations and accessible documents. State what communication support is needed; a specific arrangement must be confirmed.ODE special-education mediation: request and preparation route: practical steps
Oregon Department of Education : Mediation : Rules & Policies : State of Oregon
Request for Meditation Form
Due Process Hearing Request Information Sheet and Model Form
Oregon Department of Education : Dispute Resolution : Rules & Policies : State of Oregon