Alternative Dispute Resolution

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is an informal process of settling concerns and/or disagreements related to the provision of special education services to students with special needs. The ADR process encourages all parties to collaboratively problem-solve to reach a mutually beneficial resolution without litigation.

The West San Gabriel Valley SELPA offers the following options for resolution:

Facilitation of Collaborative IEPs
Facilitation of a Resolution Session

ADR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a Collaborative IEP?

A collaborative IEP includes additional elements to successfully guide the IEP team meeting through the IEP development process. This includes pre-meeting preparation with parents and the school district and follow-up tasks after the meeting. The process involves a neutral facilitator who clarifies the agenda, establishes goals for meeting outcomes, enforces working agreements, keeps the group focused on the IEP process, encourages collaborative problem solving, monitors time, and encourages participation by all team members.

What is a Facilitated/Guided IEP?

What is a Facilitated/Guided IEP? A facilitated/guided IEP follows a specific framework for the IEP meeting. It integrates common values, an understanding of the parent perspective, proactive planning, effective agenda design, the development of parent/professional partnerships, and thorough preparation. Through this, the IEP meeting can be transformed into a positive, productive process.

What is a Resolution Session?

A resolution session is a dispute resolution process in which the parents of the child discuss their complaint, and the district/LEA is provided an opportunity to resolve the complaint. The SELPA has partnered with independent facilitators who are available to serve as a neutral facilitator in this process. The district/LEA must hold a resolution session within 15 calendar days of receiving notice of the parent’s request for a due process hearing.

WHO DO I CONTACT REGARDING ADR?
You may contact the Director of Special Education at your district to request ADR or you may contact one of our contracted providers directly:

Mr. Marc Purchin, Alternative Dispute Resolution at (310) 202-1155

Mr. Jason Harper, Harper Conflict Resolution LLC at (323) 285-1070

Elevate Educational Solutions LLC at 909-367-9466

PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS AND PARENT RIGHTS