Mission:
The mission of the New York State Education Department Special Education Dispute Resolution Center (SEDRC) is to promote the use of special education mediation as a proactive intervention, facilitate professional development for special education mediators and stakeholders, and provide centralized coordination and support for the special education mediation program across New York State.
Vision:
The New York State Education Department Special Education Dispute Resolution Center (SEDRC) envisions a statewide network of highly trained mediators and stakeholders equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources to effectively prevent and resolve disputes in special education, thereby fostering a collaborative environment that supports the well-being and educational success of all students.
Core Values:
- Collaboration: Cultivating partnerships among families, schools, and community dispute resolution centers.
- Equity: Ensuring fair and accessible special education dispute resolution for all parties.
- Empowerment: Equipping stakeholders with the tools and knowledge to navigate special education conflicts effectively.
- Excellence: Committing to high standards in special education mediation training and practice.
- Innovation: Encouraging creative solutions to address special education disputes proactively.
We are the Special Education Dispute Resolution Center (SEDRC), a statewide center focused on the expansion of special education mediation and other proactive interventions to prevent and resolve special education disputes. We are aligned with the principles in the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Blueprint for Improved Results for Students with Disabilities.
SEDRC provides a variety of supports including:
- Professional development for special education mediators and other stakeholders,
- The administration of a centralized system to oversee requests for and intake of special education mediations across New York State,
- Providing reimbursement of mediation administrative costs to the State's Community Dispute Resolution Centers (CDRCs), and
- Collecting and reporting data on special education mediation sessions conducted statewide.
SEDRC is a neutral resource. SEDRC does not provide legal advice, advocacy, or attend meetings in support of any party.
New York State Dispute Resolution Association (NYSDRA) is the contract administrator for the NYSED Special Education Dispute Resolution Center (SEDRC). Visit NYSDRA.org to learn more.
