WHO MAY PARTICIPATE IN THE MEDIATION SESSION?
All the parties must volunteer to participate. Each party should be prepared and have the authority to settle the dispute through mediation. Witnesses are not required, since the purpose of the mediation is not to determine guilt or innocence, proof or blame, but is to seek a solution acceptable to all parties. Usually the mediator prefers to hear about the issues and from the parties themselves about how to resolve them.
The parents (or adult student) and two representatives of the school district may participate. The mediator helps the participants decide who else may be present at the session. If all the participants agree, others may also participate. For example, some people like to have an advocate, teacher, or relative attend the session. In addition, any party may request a break during the session to speak with someone by telephone or consult with someone who is in another room (but not present at the session).
