Kacey Gregson, Director of Dispute Resolution Tel: (602) 542-3084

The Dispute Resolution Unit offers resources for parents and school personnel who require assistance with special education related disputes.

Due Process

Due Process - is the most formal of the dispute resolution options. Parents, districts or attorneys for either party submit a signed, written request for a special education due process hearing. ADE/ESS forwards this request to the Arizona Office of Administrative Hearing where the case is assigned to an Administrative Law Judge, who will case manage and ultimately conduct the hearing.

Complaints

Complaints - Administrative complaints must be signed and in writing. Complaint investigators have authority to investigate alleged violations of state and federal special education laws. Once a complaint containing all the required information is received by our office, an investigator is assigned to the case and she or he has 60 days to complete the investigation and issue a Letter of Findings that contains findings of fact, conclusions of law, and findings of compliance or noncompliance.

Mediation

Mediation - is the most informal dispute resolution options. Mediation is a voluntary process that is held only if both parties agree to mediate. A mediator is provided by ADE/ESS at no expense to either the parent or the district. Parties wishing to request mediation should contact the Dispute Resolution Coordinator.

Solving Problems Informally

Parent and Child Rights in Special Education

• Procedural Safeguard Notice
• English
• Spanish

Other Helpful Links

• Arizona Attorney General
• Arizona Center for Disability Law
• Arizona Office of Administrative Hearings
• CADRE
• Office for Civil Rights
• Office for Special Education Programs
• Parent Information Network
• Pilot Parents of Southern Arizona
• Raising Special Kids
• United States Courts for the Ninth Circuit