Special Education - Rights and Dispute Resolution Process
Legal Information
This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Special Education - Rights and Dispute Resolution Process in Pennsylvania.
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How to Resolve Special Education Disputes
Chapter 12 of "The Right to Special Education in Pennsylvania: A Guide for Parents and Advocates" handbook from the Education Law Center-Pennsylvania. This discusses the steps you should take when you disagree with decisions about your child's educational program or placement. Content Detail
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Special Education Mediation and Forms
Even when parents and school officials try their best to reach agreement on a student’s special education program, disagreements can occur. If this happens, mediation, which is a free, voluntary, and confidential alternative to a formal due process hearing, is an option. Mediation can take place at any time before or during the due process cycle. Mediation is not a required process and may not delay or deny a parent the right to a due process hearing. Information on the Mediation process from the Office of Dispute Resolution (Special Education). Content Detail
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Special Education Due Process Complaint Process and Forms
Information on the complaint process, including the Complaint Form, which is used to submit a formal complaint to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education. Office for Dispute Resolution (Special Education). Content Detail
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Special Education Timelines
This booklet cites the special education timelines in accordance with the requirements of Pennsylvania law, Chapter 711 Charter School and Cyber Charter School Services and Programs for Children with Disabilities, Chapter 14 Special Education Services and Programs and Federal Regulations Part 300, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Content Detail
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The Special Education ConsultLine
Information on The Special Education ConsultLine, a a toll-free information line established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for your questions and concerns: 1-800-879-2301. ConsultLine is designed to assist parents and advocates of children with disabilities or children thought to be disabled. ConsultLine provides information about school-related concerns, special education regulations, procedural safeguards, and parents’ rights. Content Detail
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Your Child's Rights Under the IDEA [Video]
This video from Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut and CTLawHelp.org describes your child's rights under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. These are federal laws, so the information is true for every state. This video will teach you about setting up an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and what to do if the school isn't following the IEP. Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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The Right to Special Education in Pennsylvania: A Guide for Parents and Advocates
This Guide from the Education Law Center - Pennsylvania is meant to help you – the parent – learn how the system designed to educate children with disabilities (called special education) works in Pennsylvania and how you can make it work for your child. [PDF] Content Detail
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IEP Facilitation
IEP facilitation is a voluntary process that can be used when all parties to an IEP meeting agree that the presence of a neutral third party would help facilitate communication and the successful drafting of the student’s IEP. The Office for Dispute Resolution (Special Education) offers information on how the process works. Read More
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Parents’ Rights: Understanding the Procedural Safeguards Notice
Parents of children who receive or who may be eligible for special education services have rights under a law called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This brochure provides a summary of those rights. The Procedural Safeguards Notice provides a more detailed explanation of those rights. Content Detail
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Rights of Special Education Students: Discipline [Video]
This video from Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut and CTLawHelp.org describes your child's rights under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. These are federal laws, so the information is true for every state. This video will teach you about discipline of a special education student. Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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School Discipline in Pennsylvania
Information from the Education Law Center - Pennsylvania on school discipline issues, including special considerations relating to students with disabilities and other special student populations. Content Detail
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Accessible Instructional Materials for Children with Disabilities
Information from the Disability Rights Pennsylvania on the availability of Accessible Instructional Materials for children with disabilities. [PDF] Content Detail
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Approved Private Schools for Special Education and Schools for the Deaf and the Blind
Information on requirements for Approved Private for Special Education and Schools for the Deaf and the Blind from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Content Detail
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Educational Programs for Students in Non-Educational Placements - Children with a Disability in Out of Home Care in Pennsylvania
This Basic Education Circular discusses the obligations of school districts to children living in residential placements. [PDF] Content Detail
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Extended School Year Services in Pennsylvania
Extended School Year (ESY) services are special education and related services that are provided to students with disabilities beyond the 180-day school year. This guide contains a comprehensive compilation of documents that will provide direction, respond to questions, and guide parents and local education agencies in making determinations about ESY services. Content Detail
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