A Facilitated Resolution Meeting is a new offering by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) that provides an opportunity for parents and schools to resolve due process complaint issues with a Settlement Agreement, prior to a due process hearing. Facilitated resolution meetings are a rapidly growing resource designed to assist schools and parents who may be experiencing difficulties in resolving special education disputes.
System Oversight, Infrastructure and Organization:
System Design/Management
The OSSE Student Hearing Office is managing this process.
Personnel
The OSSE is offering schools and parents an opportunity to benefit from the expertise of a skilled facilitator to participate in the meeting to help the parties discuss their positions in a more meaningful way. The presence of a neutral facilitator at the resolution session may produce a more effective discussion and successful outcome.
Miscellaneous:
There are numerous benefits to the utilization of a facilitator during the resolution meeting. The benefits include:
- The student remains the focus of the discussions, and those who know the student best make all decisions rather than a hearing offier.
- Both school personnel and the parent are afforded an opportunity to fully and meaningfully participate in the discussions in a non-confrontational environment.
- Promotes consensus building and open communication, possibly allowing school district personnel and the parent to independently resolve any disputes or disagreements should they arise in the future.
- The school and the parent are spared considerable expense associated with litigation.
- Should a hearing be necessary, the parties would have had an opportunity to have narrowed down and clarified the points of agreement and disagreement, which can lead to a more focused, effective and efficient due process hearing.
Public Awareness & Outreach Activities:
Availability/Accessing Services
This is an optional service. All parties to the Due Process complaint will be contacted, and both parties must consent to facilitation before a facilitator is assigned.
