The Office for Dispute Resolution
Providing Resources For Parents and Educators
The Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR) provides the resources for families and educational agencies to resolve educational disputes for children served by the early intervention system, students who are gifted (or thought to be gifted), and students with disabilities (or thought to have disabilities).
Resource Library
New Hearing Officer Decisions
View the newest Hearing Officer Decisions. Last updated on: 12/10/2024
Facilitation
The Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR) is committed to seek out and offer varying alternative dispute resolution activities and options for constituents. ODR understands the importance of due process; however there are several steps that can be taken prior to filing for a due process hearing in an attempt to reach a resolution. The alternative dispute resolution options that ODR offers have shown to be successful in helping parties reach an agreement.
The Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR) is committed to seek out and offer varying alternative dispute resolution activities and options for constituents.
Mediation
Even when the parents/guardian and schools 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/guardian the right to a due process hearing.
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/guardian the right to a due process hearing.
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/guardian the right to a due process hearing.
Due Process
Parents or educational agencies may resolve educational disputes through a mechanism called due process. Due process differs from other dispute resolution opportunities in that a Hearing Officer decides the dispute for the parties.
Throughout the due process proceedings, resolution through mediation remains available to the parties. In addition, during the proceedings the parties may settle some or all of the issues among themselves at any time.
Throughout the due process proceedings, resolution through mediation remains available to the parties. In addition, during the proceedings the parties may settle some or all of the issues among themselves at any time.
Due process differs from other dispute resolution opportunities in that a Hearing Officer decides the dispute for the parties.
Voices From the Field
[ODR Mediator] was fantastic. She was patient, clear and attentive. She interjected at just the right moments and made sure all parties felt heard and understood what everyone was saying. Having her present really helped things move along in a productive manner.
ODR parent outreach prepared me for the mediation process. It was also nice to have someone experienced to ask questions to about services and school district processes.
The LEA found the IEP Facilitation to be an excellent resource to ensure sections of the IEP were addressed when previous discussions broke down. Their fair and objective presence maximized the level of productivity and decorum. She provided insight into barriers to ensure the team acknowledged ways to move forward with differences of methodology.