The Arkansas Special Education Mediation Project (ASEMP) is different from other mediation programs in that it is not court-centered. The method for resolving special education disputes is an administrative hearing process. The ASEMP gives parents and schools an alternative. Trained professional mediators assist parties in finding effective solutions to the problems affecting educational services for children with disabilities.
Mediation is voluntary and confidential. It offers parents and educators the chance to work with each other and address a child’s special education needs. Mediation helps people talk and work hard on the problem without being hard on the people. The focus is on working together to find a solution that is in the best interest of the student.
Learn more
Your child and the IEP
Working out the details of an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) can be hard. Sometimes parents and educators disagree on services needed or how the services are delivered. They may even disagree on whether an IEP is needed. People can become frustrated and lose sight of the real goal – achieving what is in the best interest of the student.
Special Education Mediation FAQ
Request for mediation/IEP facilitation*
*IEP facilitation is available to those participating in the 2013 Arkansas Department of Education Pilot Project
For more information
Kelly Browe Olson, Director of Clinical Programs
501.324.9452
Tiffany Tackett Kell, Mediation Programs Coordinator
501.324.9917
