Resolution of disputes Within 15 days of receiving notice that a parent has made an official hearing request to Special Education Appeals, the district convenes a meeting with the parent(s) and the relevant member(s) of the IEP Team, including a representative of the district with decision-making authority, to try to resolve the dispute. The resolution session may be waived if the district and the parents agree in writing to do so or if they agree to use mediation instead.
If the dispute is resolved at the resolution session, the parent(s) and a representative of the district with the authority to do so sign a legally binding agreement, enforceable in state or federal court. Any party may void this agreement within three business days of the signing.
Parent participation in meetings The district ensures that one or both parents of a child are members of any group that makes decisions on the educational placement of their child.
The Administrator of Special Education notifies parent(s) in writing of any Team meeting early enough to ensure that they have an opportunity to attend.
The district schedules the meeting at a mutually agreed upon time and place; and documents such efforts.
If neither parent can attend, the district uses other methods to ensure parent participation, including individual or conference telephone calls, or video conferencing.
In cases where the district, after reasonable efforts, is unable to obtain the parents’ participation in Team meeting discussions and decisions, the district conducts the Team meeting and documents its attempts to facilitate the parents’ participation.
State Requirements
Federal Requirements
603 CMR 28.02(21)
34 CFR 300.322; 300.501
Rating:
Implemented
District Response Required:
No
CRITERION
NUMBER
Legal Standard
SE 27
Content of Team meeting notice to parents
The parent notice of any Team meeting states the purpose, time and location of the meeting as well as who will be in attendance.
