Special Education - Rights and Dispute Resolution Process
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This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Special Education - Rights and Dispute Resolution Process in Pennsylvania.
Special Education Dispute Resolution
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and its implementing regulations require states to provide specific options for resolving disputes between parents and schools. PA Department of Education’s Bureau of Special Education (BSE) manages the state complaint system and the Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR) manages the due process, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution systems.
Additional information about PA’s dispute resolution system can be found in the Procedural Safeguards Notice.
Pennsylvania’s Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR) provides the resources for families and educational agencies to resolve educational disputes for students with disabilities, as required by state and federal law. Below are dispute resolution options available to schools and families. Continue Reading Full Resource. . .
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Mediation (Special Education)
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).
Request for Translation and Interpretation Services
Federal civil rights laws require schools to provide free language services for multilingual parents or caregivers whose first language is not English. This form and checklist includes questions the parent or caregiver can ask about the types of language services available and when the school can provide language services. By asking these questions, the parent or caregiver will learn about the process to request language services and the point of contact at the school responsible for providing interpretation and/or translation. This self-advocacy tool is available for general education in Spanish, Chinese, Arabic and Nepali. This self-advocacy tool is available for special education in Spanish, Chinese, Arabic and Nepali.
Request for Translation and Interpretation Services
Federal civil rights laws require schools to provide free language services for multilingual parents or caregivers whose first language is not English. This form and checklist includes questions the parent or caregiver can ask about the types of language services available and when the school can provide language services. By asking these questions, the parent or caregiver will learn about the process to request language services and the point of contact at the school responsible for providing interpretation and/or translation. This self-advocacy tool is available for general education in Spanish, Chinese, Arabic and Nepali. This self-advocacy tool is available for special education in Spanish, Chinese, Arabic and Nepali.
Mediation (Special Education)
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).