Alternative Dispute Resolution

The Vendor is required to provide alternative dispute resolution (“ADR”) mediators and facilitators who have, or can acquire, knowledge of special education program.
- Requirement:
• Meet with disputing families, school staff and other individuals providing special education services in a special education mediation session and assist in the resolution of the dispute.
• Explain the mediation process to participating parties.
• Facilitate a special education team meeting between families, school staff and other individuals providing special education services, and assist with communications, while keeping a focus on the education program process and student needs to help resolve conflicts.
• Assist teams in writing an individualized education program (“IEP”) that all parties find acceptable.
• Assist teams in creating mutual understanding and developing an effective communication plan.
• Follow any procedures as directed by department office of general counsel in developing, scheduling, mediating, facilitating or submitting case evaluation reports.
• Attend an initial, one full day of training at department to gain knowledge of regulations and laws related to the provision of special education services to students.
• Attend at least one (1) full day of training per state fiscal year provided by or approved by the department project manager, to build capacity and knowledge about recent regulations and laws related to the provision of special education services to students.
• Contractor is eligible to receive $900 in compensation for attending this training provided by department.
• All compensation will be made on a reimbursement basis.
• Obtain and maintain equipment (hardware and software) and ability to lead meetings in a remote (as opposed to in-person) setting and take reasonable steps to ensure that all private information remains private and secure while leading meetings in a remote setting.
• Accept at least 30% of all engagement requests per state fiscal year.
• Respond to engagement requests within 24 hours.
• Possess a laptop and portable printer to allow for instant document creation and printing at meetings.
• Maintain an active email account throughout the course of the program.
• Limit billable preparation time to no more than two (2) hours per engagement, unless given prior approval from the department project manager.
• Limit billable “closeout” time to no more than one (1) hour per engagement, unless given prior approval from the department project manager.
• Comply with rule 114 of the state general rules of practice for the district courts and the code of ethics.