Literature Articles

This searchable database contains bibliographic information for literature (research-based and policy/practice) relating to dispute resolution in special education.

CADRE is interested in identifying additional articles and publications to include in this database. If you are aware of other such resources, please send an email to [email protected] with as much information as possible about the resource (e.g., title, author, source, date), and include a copy of the publication or a URL link, if available.  Interested in emerging research and knowledge gaps in IDEA dispute resolution?

Literature Articles are currently under maintenance. Functionality is limited.

Alternative dispute resolution under the Individuals with Disability Educational Act: A case study of early intervention mediation (Iowa).

All states are required to offer mediation services for the voluntary settlement of special education disputes after a due process hearing has been requested as a result of the 1997 Amendments to the Individuals with Disability Education Act (IDEA). However, Iowa was one of only a few states that...
Learn more

Beyond the Dotted Line: Empowering Parents From Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Families to Participate

Parent participation in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process is a critical factor in improving the effectiveness of children’s special education programs and services. However, many families, particularly those from culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) backgrounds, are...
Learn more

Collaborative Problem Solving Effectively Implemented, But Not Sustained: A Case for Aligning the Sun, the Moon, and the Stars

This 2-year qualitative case study examined factors influencing implementation and sustainability of collaborative problem-solving programs. One selected elementary school served as the focus site. Using a participant—observer field-based approach, data were collected via observations, interviews...
Learn more

Conflict Engagement for Individualized Education Program Team Members

As professionals working in schools, we are often expected to function as teams to meet the unique needs of the children, youth, and families we serve. This provides us the opportunity to work with people of diverse experience, perspective, and expertise. In this context, we will encounter conflict...
Learn more

Conflict resolution in the schools: A manual for educators.

Based on material developed by the National Institute for Dispute Resolution (NIDR), this practical resource guide shows principals, district administrators, counselors, and teacher educators how to diagnose conflicts, handle difficult confrontations, and implement appropriate mediation and problem...
Learn more

Educators' Perceptions of Collaborative Planning Processes for Students With Disabilities

As schools emphasize accountability and academic progress for all students, professional collaboration is a critical aspect of planning accommodations and interventions that address the learning needs of diverse learners. To better understand collaborative processes, the authors investigated the...
Learn more

Family-school conflict: implications for the family.

Family responses to family-school conflicts may be manifested in family interaction and/or work performance and are influenced by numerous factors including socioeconomic status, child's grade level, family structure, cultural background, financial or structural stress, and rigidity of functioning....
Learn more

From the beginning: What educators and parents of children with special needs do to resolve differences.

How educators and parents of children with special needs resolve differences at the early stages of a dispute is vital to our understanding of how to avoid an escalation of conflict and irreparable damage to this important relationship. This study examines why some disputes between educators and...
Learn more

Improving DR Practices for Diverse Families

To provide relief for families who disagree with their child’s educational program, the IDEA provides three types of dispute resolution: mediation, written state complaints, and due process hearings. While these options support constructive conflict engagement, many families find these processes...
Learn more

Optional IDEA alternative dispute resolution.

This In-Depth Policy Analysis is the result of findings based on a survey sent to all special education units of state education agencies. The survey requested information about the use of 10 alternative dispute resolution processes not specifically required under IDEA, the extent of their use, and...
Learn more

Parent-School Conflict in the Education of Students with Disabilities: Causation, Prevention, and Resolution

Millions of children with disabilities have benefited from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (United States Department of Education [USDOE], 2010). However, the law has also been a source of frequent litigation and conflict between schools and parents (Mueller, 2015; Pudelski...
Learn more

Restorative Practice in Special Education Dispute Resolution

This publication provides readers with information about the history and origins of Restorative Justice, before discussing the current application of Restorative Practice in educational settings. Next, we highlight the unique challenges parents and educators face while engaging in the planning...
Learn more