Request for Proposals
CADRE, the National Center on Dispute Resolution, is seeking proposals to present at Mapping the Future Together: Rediscovering our Purpose, CADRE’s 1oth National Symposium on Dispute Resolution, taking place October 21-23, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. Keeping the theme in mind, CADRE is seeking proposals with a focus on effective and equitable early dispute resolution strategies and practices that strengthen relationships and build capacity at all levels. Symposium participants include OSEP staff, state dispute resolution coordinators, directors of special education, dispute resolution practitioners, parents, parent leaders, local special education administrators, attorneys, educators, service providers, and researchers.
Proposals must be received by January 31, 2025 to be considered.
Objectives for this Symposium
Symposium participants will have the opportunity to:
- Examine collaborative dispute prevention and conflict management strategies within the expanding continuum of dispute resolution practices in special education and early intervention.
- Learn about innovations, initiatives, and current research in the field of dispute resolution.
- Receive information, resources, and guidance related to the design, implementation, and improvement of dispute resolution processes and systems.
- Enhance communities of practice, and connect dispute resolution coordinators, practitioners, educators, and parent leaders with each other and nationally renowned experts in the field.
- Acquire advanced conflict management skills and knowledge critical to the effective resolution of disputes.
In order to provide a diverse learning experience to our participants, CADRE is seeking proposals from individuals or panels in the following formats:
- Three-hour skill-building workshop: comprising the professional development institute on day one of the symposium, participants will practice and engage with new skills (includes a planned 20-minute snack break)
- 90-minute interactive presentation: presenters provide unique perspectives on their subject matter expertise
Proposals should relate to the Objectives and Theme of the Symposium. Proposals that specifically focus on increasing capacity to support local implementation of effective and equitable early resolution practices will receive favorable consideration.
CADRE places great value on having Symposium presenters participate in the entire event, and will provide a complimentary registration to each presenter to encourage this. All other expenses associated with Symposium participation, including travel, will be the presenter’s responsibility.
The following criteria will be considered during the proposal review process:
- The extent to which presentation objectives and takeaways are clearly specified.
- The level of knowledge and experience of the presenter(s).
- The extent to which program evaluation data or research is present.
- The level of attention to culturally and linguistically competent practices.
- The relevance to special education and early intervention dispute resolution.
- The extent to which innovative and effective and equitable early dispute resolution practices and methods are shared and demonstrated.
Proposals must be submitted no later than January 31, 2025
Questions?
Noella Bernal: [email protected]