Description

This session provides a comprehensive overview of how disputes in special education are resolved under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). When parents and schools disagree about a child’s special education services—whether it's about eligibility, evaluations, placement, or the adequacy of services—there are several legal avenues available to address these concerns.

The presentation will walk participants through each step of the dispute resolution process:
 

• Informal resolution and facilitated meetings
• Mediation as a voluntary, collaborative tool
• Filing state complaints
• Initiating and navigating a formal due process hearing

Attendees will gain a practical understanding of each method, including timelines, legal standards, documentation, and strategic considerations. Real-world examples and case insights will help illustrate how disputes can escalate—and how they can often be resolved before reaching a hearing.

This session is essential for educators, administrators, parents, and advocates who want to be prepared, informed, and proactive in resolving disagreements while protecting students’ rights and ensuring compliance with federal law.

Learning Objectives: -

The legal rights of students with disabilities facing disciplinary actions
The obligations schools must follow under federal law, including IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA
How these laws apply to public schools, including charter schools, and the limited protections available to students in private schools
The balance — and sometimes tension — between maintaining school discipline and ensuring a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)

Areas Covered in the Session:-
 

• Overview of dispute resolution options under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
• Understanding and preparing for mediation: process, benefits, and common outcomes
• The role and procedures of state complaints: when and how to file
• Key steps in a due process hearing, including timelines, evidence, and witness preparation
• Legal standards and burden of proof in special education disputes
• Strategies for early and effective resolution of disagreements
• The importance of documentation and communication in dispute prevention
• Rights and responsibilities of both schools and parents throughout the process
• Real-world examples and case studies illustrating successful and unsuccessful outcomes
• Practical tips for navigating conflicts while maintaining collaborative relationships.

Background:-

Navigating special education disputes can be complex and emotionally charged for families and school districts alike. When disagreements arise over evaluations, eligibility, services, placement, or the provision of a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), there are formal procedures available under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to resolve these issues.

This seminar explores the full continuum of dispute resolution options, beginning with informal resolution and mediation, moving through state complaints, and culminating in due process hearings. Participants will gain valuable insights into how each step works, what to expect procedurally and legally, and best practices for reaching collaborative and legally sound outcomes.

Whether you are a school administrator, special education teacher, advocate, or parent, understanding these processes is critical to protecting students’ rights while maintaining constructive relationships between families and schools.

Why Should You Attend?

Disagreements over a child’s special education program can quickly become complex and emotionally charged. Whether you're a school administrator, special education professional, parent, or advocate, understanding the legal steps for resolving these disputes is essential.

This seminar will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to:
 

• Navigate every stage of the dispute resolution process — from informal conversations to formal due process hearings
• Understand your legal rights and responsibilities under IDEA
• Avoid common procedural mistakes that can delay or derail resolutions
• Foster better communication and collaboration between families and schools
• Make informed decisions that support both compliance and the best interests of the student

With expert guidance from a nationally recognized special education attorney, you'll gain practical tools and legal insights that are critical in today’s increasingly complex educational landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your ability to effectively manage or advocate in special education disputes.

Who Will Benefit?
 

• School Administrators
• School District Superintendents
• Charter School Superintendents, Principals, and Headmasters
• School Governing Board Members
• School Counselors & Psychologists
• Teachers
• School Attorneys
• Parent Attorneys
• Education Advocates & Consultants
• Parents and Legal Guardians
• Community-Based Disability and Educational Organizations.