Dispute Resolution in Special Education

Five Key Ideas

• IEP facilitation
• Mediation
• Resolution meeting
• Written state complaint
• Due process complaint/hearing request

IEP Facilitation

• Can build/improve relationships
• Provides opprotunities to reslove conflicts
• Can encourage new options for the IEP
• Less costly then due process

Mediation

• Mediator helps with communicate and conflict resolution.
• More flexible then due process
• May help members problem solve
• Can improve school-family relationships

Resolution Meeting

• Decision-making is with the parent and school district
• No cost to the parent
• Opportunity for parents and school districts to resolve issues without going to a hearing

Written State Complaint

• Easy to file
• No cost to the complainant
• Any person or organization may file a written state complaint

Due Process Complaint/Hearing Request

• Child stays in current educational placement unless gardian and school district agree otherwise
• Decision is legally binding on the parties