Special Education Due Process

Posted: Wed, 08/31/2011 - 9:30am Updated: Wed, 03/13/2013 - 2:06pm

Complaints/Mediations/Hearings

The student's parent(s) and school personnel work together to make decisions about a student's education, and this working relationship is generally a good one. However, there may be times when the parent(s) and school personnel do not agree about something. Sometimes it will be a small disagreement that can be resolved by a meeting between the parent(s) and a school representative or by having another Case Conference Committee (CCC) meeting. By working together to reach an agreement, the parent(s) and school personnel are able to continue a positive relationship and can often find a solution to the disagreement in less time than using a more formal process such as a due process hearing.

Tips for parents when a disagreement arises:

  • Have you contacted your local special education director or the school principal to make him/her aware of your concerns?
  • Have you looked at your student's Individualized Education Program (IEP)? Are you familiar with what it requires? Are you able to explain your specific questions and concerns?
  • Have you referred to Indiana's rules for special education, commonly known as Article 7? Have you referred to Navigating the Course?
  • Have you contacted a parent advocate?
  • Have you asked to hold a Case Conference Committee meeting to address your questions and concerns with the school?

 

Sometimes, the parents(s) and school personnel are not able to resolve their disagreement by the methods above. As a result, three other conflict resolution options are available. Please click the following links for more details on those three additional options.

 

Please check out the Frequently Asked Questions section to see if your questions have already been answered.

 

For general questions regarding special education:

Office of Special Education
Telephone: (317) 232-0570
Email: specialeducation@doe.in.gov
Website: www.doe.in.gov/achievement/individualized-learning/special-education.html

For questions regarding Special Education Due Process:

Office of Legal Affairs
Telephone: (317) 232-6676
Facsimile: (317) 232-0744
Email: legal@doe.in.gov
Mailing address:
South Tower, Suite 600
115 W. Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204

 

If you would like to be considered as a potential due process hearing officer or mediator, please complete the corresponding application.

Tags: 
special education
complaints
special education hearings
Article 7
mediation