Helping School Districts and Parents Resolve Disputes at the Earliest Stage Possible
SERC serves all families and school districts in the state of Oklahoma. SERC staff, facilitators, and mediators aim to help parents and school districts resolve IEP disputes and engage in difficult conversations with students’ best interests in mind.
How Do I Know When I Need Help?
- A student’s needs are complex and difficult to discuss.
- An individual feels their concerns are not being heard.
- IEP meetings have not resolved the concerns.
- One or both parties are holding on to the past and cannot focus on the future needs of the student.
- Communication barriers exist.
- A neutral third party could assist in the communication process to keep the parties talking.
The relationship between school districts and families in developing an appropriate IEP for a student with a disability is on-going and involves differing opinions. It’s human nature that individuals will not always be in agreement.
However, disagreement can open opportunities for deeper discussion and creative problem-solving. When individuals take the chance to look at a situation more closely and listen to different points of view, it has a positive impact on everyone involved and helps with effective resolution.
Who Will Help Me?
Highly-trained facilitators and mediators guide all parties through their discussion while teaching effective communication skills.
What are the differences between the services?
SERC Summary of Oklahoma Special Education Dispute Resolution Options (English) (PDF)
SERC Resumen de Opciones de Resolución de Disputas de Educación Especial de Oklahoma (Spanish) (PDF)
CADRE Dispute Resolution Processes Chart (English) (PDF)
CADRE Dispute Resolution Processes Chart (Spanish) (PDF)
Need help Understanding Acronyms in Special Education?
Special Education Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Definitions (PDF)
SERC Programs and Services
IEP Facilitation
If your situation qualifies and all parties consent, SERC will provide a highly-trained facilitator to attend an IEP meeting and help guide the discussion in a structured setting. The facilitator works on behalf of all parties to help come to a mutual agreement on a student’s education program.
>>Learn More about IEP Facilitation
Mediation
Mediation is an agreement-reaching process in which SERC will provide a highly-trained mediator to assist all consenting parties in resolving their dispute in a collaborative and informed manner.
>>Learn More about Mediation
Due Process Hearings
A due process hearing is a court-like review process governed by administrative laws. SERC will provide a highly-trained hearing officer who will preside over the hearing; the hearing officer’s decisions have the effect of law and are binding upon the participating parties.
>>Learn More about Due Process Hearings
Stakeholder Training
SERC provides training to school districts and parents in Engaging in Challenging Conversations. The training teaches the participants to focus on Mutual Purpose and develop skills for effective Collaboration.
>>Learn More about Stakeholder Training
Contact SERC
Special Education Resolution Center
5314 S. Yale Ave.
Suite 206
Tulsa, OK 74135
Phone: 918-270-1849 or 888-267-0028
Email: okserc@okstate.edu
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