- What is SERC?
- Spanish translation for SERC documents
- Great distance learning resource for parents and educators
- Virtual mediation and IEP facilitation
- Crucial Conversations training Update
- Which Dispute Resolution Process is best for me?
- Upcoming Events
What is SERC?
The Special Education Resolution Center of OSU (SERC) has been collaborating with the Oklahoma State Department of Education for over 10 years to help families and school district resolve conflicts at the earliest stage possible. SERC provides services for children from birth to 3 in SoonerStart and for students 3 through 21 in public schools.
What does SERC provide to schools, SoonerStart, and families at no cost?
- Training on communication and collaboration skills to help prevent conflict.
- An IEP Facilitator to manage conflict during contentious IEP meetings.
- A Mediator to guide a structured process in which parents and school personnel can resolve specific issues related to special education.
- A Due Process Hearing Officer at an administrative hearing to resolve, what could not be resolved at an earlier stage. During the resolution time of the process, SERC can provide a facilitator to help the parties discuss the hearing issues in a safe and structured setting and try to resolve them if possible.
Spanish translation for SERC documents
SERC is in the process of updating our website with Spanish translations of documents. Right now the translated documents include:
- -SERC Dispute Resolution Processes Comparison
- -CADRE Dispute Resolution Processes Chart
- -Mediation – FAQ’s
- -SERC Mediation Manual
- -SERC Mediation Guide
In the coming months, we will continue updating the site to include more Spanish translations of our services, programs, and materials. Our goal is to provide greater accessibility to our Spanish speaking stakeholders in Oklahoma. To view the documents, visit our website at https://www.okserc.org
Great distance learning resources for parents and educators
Beginning this unusual time of distance learning, parents and educators have made huge adjustments for the learning of the students they share. If parents or educators are searching for additional information that could be helpful during this time, www.understood.org is a fabulous resource. It’s a fun place to explore for all kinds of information. Click here to enjoy the exploration!
In addition to the the website resource listed above, here are several documents that might be helpful for those who will be participating in online meetings.
View “Helpful Hints for using Zoom for Remote Mediations” here:
View “Zoom Online-Mediation Considerations” here:
Virtual mediation and IEP facilitation
IEP facilitations and mediations are taking place now through online-video format with Zoom. This platform works well for facilitating meetings throughout the state of Oklahoma. To participate, you will need a computer/iPad/smartphone with WIFI and a place to meet without interruptions. Participants can also access by phone. An IPad with hot spot can be provided for use at no cost for those without access to a computer and/or WIFI. Contact SERC for more information about scheduling a virtual meeting.
Crucial Conversations Training Update
Crucial Conversations is a two day training that helps people have difficult conversations that they are afraid to have or that aren’t going well. And the focus of the training is not just about communication – it’s about helping people get the results they want.
Crucial Conversations can help you in your conversations with:
- School administrators
- Staff and personnel including general ed teachers
- Services resource providers
- IEP team members
- Parents and their advocates
Last fall we conducted training in Jenks, Edmond, and Oklahoma City. Currently, in light of COVID-19, we are not doing any in-person trainings. As long as school sites are closed down, we are assuming that in-person professional development will not be taking place. In addition, we are currently prohibited from in-state travel. We are not sure how long both of these things will be in place. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep everyone updated. We are looking forward to providing this training once again as soon as the coast is clear.
Crucial Conversations is available at no costs to those attending through our partnership with the Oklahoma State Department of Education. If you are interested in scheduling a future training for your district, please contact our offices at (888) 267-0028.
View the Crucial Conversations Two-Day Agenda Here:
Which Dispute Resolution Process is best for me?
You may be wondering which dispute resolution process would be the best for you when dealing with special education-related disputes. This dispute chart will help you understand the differences between the three processes offered in Oklahoma. Each of these processes is offered at no cost to schools or parents. Please contact us with any questions related to our dispute resolution processes. We can help you decide which process will work the best for your situation.
View the English version of the dispute resolution chart here:
View the Spanish version of the dispute resolution chart here:
Upcoming Events
Tech Thursdays with ABLE Tech (FREE monthly Zoom Session)
Join ABLE Tech for live Zoom training covering various tips for accessibility.
- Simple AT Solutions for Play: July 16
- Low Vision AT Solutions: August 20
Jo Anne Pool Blades, Program Manager
Special Education Resolution Center (SERC)
Oklahoma State University Sponsored Program 9726 E. 42nd Street, Suite 203 | Tulsa, OK 74146
Phone: 918.270.1849
Email: jo.blades@okstate.edu