When Schools and Families Do Not Agree
Productive, shared decision-making among families and school team members is an important factor in ensuring a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) for each child with a disability.
Relationships and trust are the core of family-school partnership; differences in perspective and opinion among parents and professionals, within and beyond the evaluation and IEP process, are expected and valuable when productively managed.
The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) recognizes that shared decision-making can be challenging, and there are times when family and school team members do not reach agreement or when a student’s entitlements may come under question.
The RIDE Office of Student, Community and Academic Supports (OSCAS) offers several state level options to assist families and schools in resolving issues that remain even after those issues are reconsidered through local, informal dispute resolution.
Options may include the following as displayed in the school/family partnership for FAPE image: prevention / training; individual information/guidance; assistance with problem-solving; informal state facilitation; mediation; written state complaint; and/or due process hearing or resolution session.
If you need assistance with the option that is right for you, you are welcome to contact the:
- OSCAS Special Education Call Center at 401-222-8999 or RIDECallCenter@ride.ri.gov
- El Centro de Llamadas al 401-222-8999
RI Special Education Procedural Safeguards
Federal and state laws and regulations* require that schools provide the parents of a child with a disability a full explanation of their rights in the special education process.
*Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the RI Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education Regulations Governing the Education of Children with Disabilities.
These rights are described in writing in the RI Special Education Procedural Safeguards Notice, Model Form:
Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese and Arabic translations of the Rhode Island Special Education Procedural Safeguards may be accessed at this link.