Dispute Resolution Under the IDEA

With this book, Bateman, Yell, and Dorego offer a much-needed resource for a variety of stakeholders in which they address dispute resolution in a plain-language manner without watering down the essential knowledge and information of this topic. The authors treat the entire range of dispute resolution options, sharing their combined wealth of knowledge regarding multiple processes including the State Complaint Process, which is less often considered and discussed to the extent it is in this text. Readers will note that the information offered may help improve problem solving before litigation is required. They share their advice and strategies with a focus on better services and cooperation among professionals and parents—rather than adversarial processes which are so often the focus of texts. I believe the impact of this book will be a redirection of the collective efforts of stakeholders from time-consuming and costly dispute resolution processes to improved services and instruction for students with disabilities—where it should be. -- James G. Shriner, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Bateman, Yell, and Dorego’s new book provides readers with a focused and detailed clarification of a noticeable gap in the special education law and policy research--namely how parents and school officials can use dispute resolution processes under the IDEA to more successfully manage special education disputes. Additionally, the authors provide readers with a clear road map of recommendations based on decades of professional experiences to navigate the myriad and complexity of dispute resolution processes available under the IDEA, including mediation, resolution meetings, and due process hearings. The current evidence is compelling that effective dispute resolution is a cost and time saving alternative to handling special education disputes compared to litigation. One of the central themes of this book is how to effectively use dispute resolution practices and procedures to facilitate collaborative and positive partnerships between parents and school personnel. The result is a successful and appreciated addition to the special education law literature on how to effectively and efficiently use the procedural safeguards of alternative dispute resolution under the IDEA to better serve students with disabilities. -- Kevin P. Brady, University of Arkansas; program director, UCEA Center for the Study of Leadership and the Law
The authors provide an outstanding definition of the comprehensive nature of special education law, and offer an array of insights on how to proactively resolve conflict, thus preventing the costly and time-consuming ordeal that litigation involves. This resource is a preventive law jewel indeed. -- Joseph 'Rocky' Wallace, PhD, coordinator, Principal Licensure Program; associate professor of Graduate Education, Asbury University
This text is desperately needed: a book dedicated to the appeal process and legal rights of both sides of special education law (specific to IDEA). First and foremost, parents are always looking for resources to improve their understanding of their and their child's rights in the special education process. Readers can find all the information about this topic in one reputable place, follow the law at each step of the process, and understand the process as a whole. -- Michelle McKnight, Utah State University
This book explains complex legal processes in terms that can be comprehended by multiple stakeholders including administrators, educators, and parents. Additionally, incorporating the most recent supreme court decisions in the discussion provides relevant, up-to-date context on how the interpretation of IDEA has been impacted by this ruling. This book is written in a fair and equitable tone that respects the rights and responsibilities of both parties and explains the complexities of the legalities in terms that can be comprehended by individuals of varying educational backgrounds. -- Gloria Niles, University of Hawai'i
Any educator who finds themselves in the special education arena without the background education or experience to truly understand dispute resolution under the IDEA would benefit from this resource. The authors have provided a clear explanation for the reasons for the dispute resolution process, as well as how the process works. -- Elizabeth Timmerman Lugg, JD, PhD, Illinois State University
An updated guide on special education disputes and overview of related issues, Dispute Resolution Under the IDEA balances providing technical and legal information with application-based information. This resource is vitally important and useful for administrators, special education teachers, general education teachers, related service providers, and parents. -- Kaitlin Bundock, Utah State University
The legal pitfalls in special education law can trap the uninformed practitioner, and its complicated processes can overwhelm parents and student advocates. The authors provide a well-organized text to assist both groups, providing guidance in this complicated but important part of school law. This book could also serve as a textbook in a special education law course for a variety of future educational professionals. -- Timothy Letzring, JD, EdD, University of Central Florida
Dispute Resolutions Under the IDEA is an excellent resource for all special education stakeholders. It gives clear guidance on how to amicably resolve disagreements, as well as how to avoid them in the first place. -- Richard Mehrenberg, Millersville University
Not only will this text be a valuable addition to teacher prepatory programs, but it can benefit administrators, special education specialists and clinicians, parents of students with disabilities, and disabled individuals. Readers will gain clarity regarding the legal procedures of dispute resolution under IDEA, and how to resolve disputes equitably and legally, to fully protect disabled students and their parents. This is a much-needed resource in the field! -- Elizabeth A. Harkins Monaco, William Paterson University
Bateman, Yell, and Dorego provide an excellent introduction to special education dispute processes. This is a must-read for parents of children with disabilities, school administrators, and those who teach administration and supervision courses. -- Brittany L. Hott, PhD, BCBA-D, University of Oklahoma
Bateman, Yell, and Dorego provide a necessary resource for special education administrators, teachers, and parents of students with disabilities. Disagreements between schools and caregivers can occur when one entity believes FAPE is being denied to a student with a disability. The special education process can be daunting, and when a dispute arises, it can be overwhelming. This book provides important information and strategies for handling disputes once they get to a hearing, but more importantly, offers pro-active steps to avoid disputes altogether. This book demystifies the dispute process by explaining complex processes in understandable terms. It is an excellent resource for professionally and expertly resolving conflicts for the best interest of the student. -- Ruby L. Owiny, Minnesota State University, Mankato; past president of the Teacher Education Division of CEC
Dispute Resolution Under the IDEA is a thoughtfully written and well-organized book. This book really addresses the intent of IDEA: it offers all stakeholders the same valuable information! The law encourages schools and parents to work together to establish a cooperative process, because no party should have information that provides them a 'unique advantage', and this book gets to the heart of that goal. When everyone involved in the special education process truly understands the provisions of the law and what schools are to provide, there should be less need for mediation and dispute resolution. This book should be mandatory reading in administrator licensing and teacher preparation programs. It would also be valuable for schools to provide parents with this easy to understand book at the beginning of student’s journey into special education. -- Kyena E. Cornelius, Minnesota State University, Mankato
This book is much needed. Special education disputes between parents and school officials can be costly financially and emotionally. There is no doubt this book will help stakeholders negotiate conflict when it occurs. The authors skillfully combine legal guidance with practical advice as they explain the steps to take and why to take them to ensure an appropriate education for students with disabilities. -- Jean B. Crockett, Professor Emeritus, special education, University of Florida
Dispute Resolution Under the IDEA is essential reading for anyone interested in knowing what families and schools can—and cannot—expect with the dispute process. The chapters are engaging, clear, and detailed. This book is grounded in current cases and provides the 'nuts and bolts' that other texts miss. I highly recommend! -- Katrina Arndt, St. John Fisher University
This book fills an important gap in special education law materials. It supports educators, school leaders, and families in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the dispute resolution process through a user-friendly, step-by-step explanation presented by experts well-versed in both policy and practice. It will serve as an excellent desk reference for specific aspects of the process as needed! -- Kristin M. Murphy, University of Massachusetts, Boston