How to Resolve a Disagreement about a SPED Proposal

HOW TO RESOLVE A DISAGREEMENT ABOUT A
SPECIAL EDUCATION PROPOSAL

DISCUSSION: If you have questions or concerns about a proposal, talk with the contact person assigned to your child's case or to the administrator in charge. It can be helpful to submit your questions, concerns, or point of disagreement in writing and ask for a written response. Always be as clear as possible in describing the problem, and explain what you want to happen.

TEAM MEETING: If the matter is not resolved by your contact person or administrator, ask in writing to meet with the Special Education Evaluation Team that developed the proposal. At the meeting, be specific in describing your concerns and what you think is an appropriate solution for you child. Ask the Team to discuss with you the reasons why they think their proposal is appropriate.

NEUTRAL CONFERENCE: If you believe that the opinion of a neutral party based on information provided by both you and the school district may help to resolve the disagreement, you may request that a neutral conference be scheduled. Contact the Department of Education at (603) 271-3791 for more information.

MEDIATION: If you believe that the matter cannot be resolved on the local level, you may ask to take advantage of the Special Education Mediation Program sponsored by the New Hampshire Department of Education. Ask your local school district contact person for information about this program, or call the Department of Education at (603) 271-2299.

DUE PROCESS APPEAL: If you disagree with the school district's proposal for you child regarding a special education matter and you have not been able to resolve the disagreement, you may wish to appeal the proposal by initiating an administrative Due Process Hearing. The steps for initiating such hearing are as follows:

1. Describe in writing:

                What decision you wish to appeal;
                Why you wish to appeal it; and
                How you would like to see it resolved.

2. Send this statement to the Superintendent of the school district. Be sure to include
your name and address.

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