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Dispute Resolution Systems

When disagreements occur or when you believe that the school is not meeting its legal obligations, there are various options available to resolve these disputes. Information about these options can be found on this webpage. It is usually to everyone’s advantage to try to resolve differences or correct any noncompliance concerns in the least adversarial manner and closest to the school level. This saves time, preserves relationships, and can result in better outcomes for the student as well as their family.

Facilitated IEP Meeting

Mediation

State Complaints

Due Process Hearing Requests

Resources

  • The Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education or CADRE is funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs. CADRE’s goal is to encourage the use of mediation, facilitation, and other collaborative processes as strategies for resolving disagreements between parents and schools about children's educational programs and support services. Information to assist families is available at the following link: https://www.cadreworks.org/for-families.

  • How to file a complaint related to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) with the United States Department of Education: https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/file-a-complaint