System Design/Management
After establishing the Council, the Council drafted legislation that provided Wisconsin a mediation system in anticipation of and consistent with the reauthorization of IDEA. The draft legislation addressed unique Wisconsin stakeholder concerns, was fiscally sound and had widespread support. The Council disseminated draft legislation and meeting minutes to additional stakeholders to ensure the opportunity for widespread comments from all interested parties. The Council also submitted recommendations and options for future activities to sensure successful implementation of the Wisconsin Special Education Mediation System.
Personnel
The meetings were co-faciliated by representatives of the three partner organizations. Stakeholders who participated in the design of the system included representatives of the Wisconsin Association of School Boards, Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators, Wisconsin Council of Administrators of Special Services, Wisconsin Education Association Council, Wisconsin Council for Exceptional Children, Autism Society of Wisconsin,, Wisconsin Coalition for Advocacy, Parent Education Project, Wisconsin Department of Health and Families Support, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, attorneys representing school districts and families, representatives of the state legislature and governor's office and representatives of other advocacy organizations.
Availability/Accessing Services
Three meetings each year, participants include representatives from parent advocacy groups, school districts, school board, teacher union, special edcuation director association, and CESAs.
Materials/Activities
Members were distributed documents to assist in the design of Wisconsin's special education mediation system and accompanying legislation including the planning grant objectives as well as reports on special education mediation in other states.