Released on July 19, 2022, the US Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) published several policy documents and guides to help public elementary and secondary schools fulfill their responsibilities to meet the needs of students with disabilities and avoid the discriminatory use of student discipline.
The resources are the most comprehensive guidance on the civil rights of students with disabilities concerning student discipline and build on the Department’s continued efforts to support students and schools through pandemic recovery.
Questions and Answers: Addressing the Needs of Children with Disabilities and IDEA's Discipline Provisions from OSERS
Stakeholders' Guide: Positive, Proactive Approaches to Supporting Children with Disabilities from OSERS
Dear Colleague Letter: Addressing the Needs of Children with Disabilities and IDEA's Discipline Provisions
Dear Colleague Letter: Supporting Students with Disabilities and Avoiding the Discriminatory Use of Student Discipline under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Fact Sheet: Supporting Students with Disabilities and Avoiding the Discriminatory Use of Student Discipline Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
The National Center on Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE) offers publications, webinars and other resources on resolving special education disputes.
CADRE’s Dispute Resolution Parent Guides are now available! One each on Mediation, Written State Complaints, Resolution Meetings, and Due Process Complaints/Hearing Requests.
Direction Service
Dispute Resolution Parent Guides
The US Department of Education revised Questions and Answers about dispute resolution procedures available under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The document is long, but covers specifics about mediation, State complaints, due process complaints and hearings, resolution meetings, and expedited due process hearings.
