State Mediation System, Bureau of Special Education Appeals

Address: Department of Elementary and Secondary Education,, 75 Pleasant Street
Malden, MA 02148-4906 Phone: (781) 338-6400 Email: sea@doe.mass.edu Website: http://www.doe.mass.edu/pqa/prs/

The Bureau of Special Education Appeals ("BSEA") conducts mediations, advisory opinions and due process hearings to resolve disputes among parents, school districts, private schools and state agencies. The BSEA derives its authority from both federal law and regulations (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, "IDEA") and Massachusetts law and regulations. Mediations, advisory opinions and hearings are conducted by impartial mediators and hearing officers who do not have personal or professional interests that would conflict with their objectivity in the hearing or mediation. The BSEA consists of eight hearing officers, all of whom are attorneys, eight mediators, a coordinator of mediation, a scheduling coordinator, support staff, an assistant director and a director.