Dispute Resolution Procedures

Dispute Resolution Procedures are the formal processes that parents and school districts can use to resolve disagreements or conflicts related to a student’s special education program or services. The IDEA requires that states and districts provide a range of dispute resolution options, including mediation, state complaint procedures, and due process hearings. Mediation is a voluntary process in which a trained mediator helps the parties to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. State complaint procedures allow parents to file a complaint with the state education agency if they believe that the district has violated special education laws or regulations. Due process hearings are formal legal proceedings in which an impartial hearing officer hears evidence and testimony from both parties and issues a binding decision. The Dispute Resolution Procedures are an important tool for ensuring that parents have a means of addressing concerns or disagreements with the district and for protecting the rights of students with disabilities.