What is the process for mediating disputes in the school setting?

Disputes in Texas school settings are subject to the jurisdiction of the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The process for resolving disputes in a school setting is called mediation. This involves bringing in a third party, such as a mediator, to help both parties reach an agreement. The first step in the mediation process is for the parties involved to decide if mediation is the best route to resolving the dispute. If they decide to mediate, they will contact the Office of Dispute Resolution at the TEA. The Office of Dispute Resolution will then appoint a mediator and outline the terms of the mediation. Once the mediation has begun, the mediator will collect information from both sides of the dispute, discuss the issue with each party, and make suggestions for how to resolve the dispute. The mediator does not decide on a resolution, but instead assists the parties in negotiating a mutually acceptable solution. Once the parties have agreed to a resolution, they will sign an agreement that outlines the terms of the settlement. If the parties don’t reach an agreement, the mediator will close the mediation without deciding the dispute. The parties will then need to decide on other means to resolve the dispute, such as filing an appeal with the TEA or pursuing a formal legal action.

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