Literature Articles

[abstract] This article examines school removals and transitions among nine special education students. First, the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the local school discipline policy and special education contexts are discussed. Next, drawing from participants’ narrative...

The study reported here focused on whether some special education disputes are resolved more effectively and efficiently by mediation than by a due process hearing, and whether parents and school officials feel satisfied about the process, outcome, and implementation of the agreement. Researchers...

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the degree to which trust-building variables exist between public school districts and parents of 3- to 8-year-old children with autism during the initial placement process in the perception of special education administration. Additional...

[Abstract] Conflict between parents and school personnel continues to be an area of concern for students with disabilities, despite efforts by lawmakers to provide more parental input into the process of identification and continuation of special education services. Recent data suggest that...

A federal statute provided that parents may use the judicial process to challenge educators' decisions. Describes the intent of legalization; how reaction to an adversarial system led to the use of mediation in most states; and why this alternative model is not appropriate for resolving education...

[Abstract] This short article provides a legal analysis of the Hale et al. white paper on specific learning disabilities identification. The white paper presents a purported consensus of experts that an approach combining response to intervention with severe discrepancy is consistent with the...

Abstract This Comment discusses the future of alternative dispute resolution in special education conflicts by first examining a brief history of the IDEA and the areas it covers. Due process complaints under the IDEA and mediation as a solution to due process complaints will then be addressed. Then...

The author investigated parental perceptions of the individualized education program (IEP) meeting among 51 parents of students who were receiving special education services from 1 family support service agency. Survey questions pertained to the following areas: (a) IEP meeting experiences, (b)...

In this bibliography of research published during the past decade, we have grouped studies into three related areas: studies that evaluate the effectiveness of school-based programs and interventions intended to promote parent/family involvement on student outcomes; studies that evaluate family...

Finding ways to productively manage conflict in a manner that protects parent—school relationships has become an issue of growing concern in special education. Special education mediation has been promoted as a valuable process, in part, because of its promise for resolving such conflicts in a way...

[abstract] “The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine the perceptions of parents of special education students regarding the Individual Education Plan (IEP) and process. A total of 168 parents or guardians of sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade middle school special education students...

A survey was conducted on the use of lay advocates to investigate state reaction to a recent court decision in Delaware on the use of lay advocates and the availability of representation for parents of students with disabilities in due process hearings. The Delaware Supreme Court found in 1999 that...

[abstract] This Article addresses the theoretical and functional role of due process in special education law under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ("IDEA"). Thirty years ago, the Supreme Court interpreted the IDEA to grant very limited substantive rights but to provide robust...

[Abstract] Research about parent experiences with the special education system is largely dominated by the perspectives of mothers. Using purposeful sampling techniques, we interviewed 20 active fathers about their experiences navigating the special education system. All the fathers described three...

The purpose of this study was to determine the national outcomes distribution of DPH decision outcomes for a relatively recent six-year period. A secondary purpose was to determine whether New York decisions were such a distinct and major outlier to justify omitting them for a more precise picture...

Describes the "parent panel," an approach to building appropriate communication, resolving conflicts, and creating mutual respect between teachers and parents of children with disabilities. Delineates benefits to parents and teachers, describes how to organize the parent panel, provides content...

[Dissertation Abstract] The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the essence of parent, teacher, and student experiences when parent and teacher perceptions of student abilities diverge; of particular importance was the perceived influence of these divergent accounts on students...

[Abstract] "This study examined the perceptions of Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings of 11 parents of children with disabilities who used a Parent Training and Information center (PTI). The purpose was to examine parental perceptions of the effectiveness of a PTI. The characteristics of...

The purpose of this study was to determine if the process and outcome of mediation of disputes between Illinois parents and school administrators over special education issues were perceived to be a fair and satisfying alternative to the legally mandated conflict resolution process, the due process...

Publisher's description: Ongoing, strategic Family-School Partnering (FSP) is an essential component of every educational community. FSP is a multi-dimensional process in which schools, families, and communities engage in shared actions to ensure a child’s academic, social, and emotional success...

Abstract: This article provides an in-depth examination of the legal sources and current practices specific to impartial hearings under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act for students in the K-12 public school context. In contrast to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), this...

Once thought to be a safe haven, mediation has produced a few traps to be avoided. Both traps arise out of mediation confidentiality, codified in Evidence Code § 1115, et. seq. The first trap is the what you need to say in your written agreement to make sure it is admissible and enforceable. The...

This briefing paper examines the role of attorneys, and to a lesser extent advocates, in special education mediation. It attempts to "mediate" the debate by adopting the structure of mediation. It begins with a background chapter offering a historical basis for conflict resolution in special...