Special Education : Conflict Resolution

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Conflict Resolution

Parents and staff most often agree about special education issues such as evaluation, eligibility, placement, and services. However, there are times when disagreements occur. It is important to address concerns as quickly as possible in order to resolve the issues and support working relationships among parents, students, and staff.

There are many options available to parents who wish to resolve conflict. The Bismarck Special Education Department encourages parents to seek assistance from whomever they determine appropriate. Examples of conflict resolution options include:

Discussing concerns with: the classroom teacher, special education case manager, principal, Director of Special Education Services, or Assistant Superintendent;
Requesting that the special education case manager schedule an IEP team meeting;
Requesting assistance from the ND Protection and Advocacy Project;
Requesting assistance from the ND Department of Public Instruction, Office of Special Education, regarding mediation, complaints, or due process.

Resources

Conflict Resolution (link)

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that each state have procedures in place to address disputes and conflicts between parents and schools regarding children ages 3-21 who receive special education services. NDDPI, Office of Special Education ensures that the following options are available to anyone wishing to remedy conflicts regarding children receiving special education services.

ND PASS & Pathfinder PTI (link)

North Dakota Parent Assistance and Supportive Schools (NDPASS) is a state-wide parent information resource center for parents and professionals working with children.

The Pathfinder Parent Training and Information Center(PTI)views parents as full partners in the educational process and a significant source of support and assistance to each other. The PTI's are funded by the Office of Innovation and Improvement, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), U.S. Department of Education, "to provide training and information to parents to enable such individuals to participate more effectively with professionals in meeting the educational needs of children with disabilities," as stated in PL 98-199.

Office of Special Education (ND DPI) (link)

The official state of North Dakota Office of Special Education.

Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER) (link)

PACER Center expands opportunities and enhances the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families. PACER is staffed primarily by parents of children with disabilities and works in coalition with 18 disability organizations.