Resolving Disputes with Special Education

Many disputes can be resolved through informal discussions and negotiations within the IEP team. This process can help avoid the need for more formal and adversarial legal proceedings, saving time, resources, and stress for all parties involved. The IEP team consists of various individuals, including parents, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals involved in the child's education. This team can also include special education coordinators, who help oversee feeder patterns within the district, and potentially the special education director. This team-based approach encourages collaboration and communication to address the child's unique needs effectively. The primary goal of the IEP team is to develop an individualized education program that meets the specific educational needs of the child. By engaging in discussions with the team, parents can express their concerns, share their perspectives, and work together to find solutions.

Please know that as a parent, you are able to call an IEP meeting at any time- you do not have to wait until the annual IEP meeting to discuss your child's progress and needs. Contact your student's case manager to call a meeting. The case manager is the special education teacher assigned to oversee your student's IEP. You can also contact your special education coordinator by consulting this directory.

If attempts to resolve disputes within the IEP team are unsuccessful or if there are concerns about the adequacy of the proposed educational plan, parents may then consider escalating the matter to formal dispute resolution mechanisms such as mediation, due process hearings, or state complaints. It's important for parents to be informed about their options and to seek guidance from experts, such as special education advocates or attorneys, as needed.

There are dispute resolution options available under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. These options can address concerns about the identification, evaluation, educational placement, and provision of Free Appropriate Public Education to a student (age 3–21). The following links take you directly to OSPI's dispute resolution options.

The Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE) offers an easy to use comparison chart looks at dispute resolution processes from a variety of perspectives. You can access that here: Dispute Resolution Process Comparison Chart.pdf