How Apology Can Promote Exemplary Practices for Reducing Special Education Disputes

Public figures making apologies has become a national trend and are so frequent that they can be construed as ritualized. Apology books are common and airlines have created “Apology Officers.” During the last decade, the medical profession has begun the process of institutionalizing apology to respond to “medical errors.” Internet sites, such as “Sorry Works” teach medical staff how to apologize. Literature has been written and programs developed by medical facilities and insurance companies on how to use apologies to reduce lawsuits. This presentation will take the “lessons learned” from the medical profession acknowledgment of errors that have mitigated disputes. Each stage of the Special Education process from early intervention to mediating appeals to the US Circuit Courts will receive focus as well as various disabilities to examine opportunities and strategies for apology that could lead to forgiveness and reconciliation. By presentation, frank discussion and identification of areas of concern throughout a student's Special Education experience, participants will be provided an opportunity to identify areas of dispute that can be corrected or handled properly so education can proceed without delay or contentiousness. Participants will learn how to acknowledge areas of concern, errors, and omissions, which can lead to larger issues that fester and evolve into irreconcilable disputes. Suggestions on how to develop strategies to avoid or work around vulnerable issues will be presented and open to audience participation. This program is designed to improve dispute resolution by attempting to understand how apology can lead to forgiveness, subsequently reconciling school and parent differences, developing trust, and fostering an environment where all students can prosper and learn to their potential.