Working Together: Strategies and Supports for Schools and Families to Solve Concerns
Disagreements may arise during the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process as families, students, and educators bring different perspectives, experiences, and priorities to discussions about a student’s educational needs. Proactive practices can help prevent misunderstandings, support collaboration, and promote productive communication.
Early Dispute Resolution (EDR) refers to approaches used at the local level to address concerns or disagreements among families and school districts before they escalate or require more formal dispute resolution procedures.
This toolkit provides resources for families and schools to learn about early dispute resolution options and strategies for addressing concerns collaboratively. Topics include the importance of early dispute resolution, proactive communication strategies, active listening techniques, and conflict prevention practices. These resources are intended to support constructive dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and encourage collaborative approaches to resolving disagreements throughout the IEP process.
The accompanying presentation, Working Together: Strategies and Supports for Schools and Families to Solve Concerns, offers additional guidance and practical strategies to support collaboration between families and schools. The presentation was developed in collaboration with the Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE), the Bureau of Special Education (BSE), the Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR), and the Parent Education and Advocacy Leadership Center (PEAL Center) to promote shared understanding, constructive communication, and collaborative approaches to resolving concerns throughout the IEP process.