Special Education Dispute Resolution Processes (ADR)

There are a variety of ways to reach dispute resolution for students receiving special education services. While filing a Written State Complaint or a Due Process Complaint/Hearing Request are always options, you should be aware that there are alternatives to such actions which may be able to achieve the same outcomes in a shorter amount of time, while maintaining strong working relationships. The ADR process is:

• Confidential
• Speedy
• No Cost
• Has Legal Protections
• Outcome-Oriented

The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process is less formal that a due process hearing and intends to maintain positive relationships between families and district (LEA) staff by working collaboratively toward solutions. 

ADR OPTIONS

Facilitated IEP

Although districts are now using the facilitative IEP process, some IEP teams will not gain consensus on matters concerning the student's education. In instances where the team has not been able to reach agreement, the following services are available:

Voluntary Neutral Facilitation - a neutral facilitator guides the IEP team to ensure all team members feel valued and heard and ensures constructive dialogue with focus on the student's educational program.

 Voluntary Mediation - this service is available anytime there is a disagreement between parents and educators about special education and/or related services and supports each to listen to each other in order to reach agreement.

The Antelope Valley SELPA is committed to ensuring school staff are trained in the provision of IEP facilitation, a process identified by the US Department of Education as a best practice model.