Office for Dispute Resolution

10/20/2026

What is a resolution meeting?

When a parent requests a due process hearing, IDEA generally requires the parent and school to participate in a resolution meeting within 15 days, unless both parties agree to waive the meeting or agree to try mediation instead. The meeting gives parents an opportunity to discuss the complaint and gives both parties an opportunity to work toward resolving the dispute.

ODR provides resources explaining resolution meetings and the voluntary option of Resolution Meeting Facilitation.

Learn more about Resolution Meeting Facilitation: https://odr-pa.org/facilitation/resolution-meeting-facilitation/

10/16/2026

Ready to request an ODR service?

Request forms are available online for mediation, IEP/IFSP facilitation, resolution meeting facilitation, and due process. Forms are available in English, Spanish, and additional languages.

Visit ODR’s Request Forms page to find the form for the service you have chosen.

🔗 https://odr-pa.org/request-forms/

10/13/2026

IEP Facilitation and mediation are two different voluntary options available through ODR.

IEP Facilitation brings a neutral facilitator into an IEP meeting to support communication among team members.

Mediation brings an impartial mediator together with families and schools to discuss a special education disagreement and explore possible solutions.

Understanding how the processes differ can help families and schools make informed choices about the options available to them.

Compare dispute resolution options: https://odr-pa.org/parent-resources/parent-resource-library/dispute-resolution-options/

Where Do I Begin Even when parents and school officials try their best to develop and provide an appropriate program for a child, disagreements can occur. If you do not believe your child’s special education program is working, you should first talk to your child’s teacher. You can request an IE...

10/09/2026

If you’ve explored special education resources, you may have come across the abbreviation LEA.

LEA stands for Local Educational Agency. Depending on the situation, this may refer to a school district, charter school, or intermediate unit.

Understanding commonly used terms can make special education information a little easier to navigate.

10/06/2026

Have questions about special education, gifted education, or Section 504?

ConsultLine is a free, confidential information helpline for families and advocates. Specialists can answer questions, explain information about state and federal laws, and help callers understand resources and available options.

Call 1-800-879-2301 or learn more: https://odr-pa.org/consultline-contact/

Contact ConsultLine ConsultLine is a toll-free information help line for families and advocates of children with disabilities who have questions or concerns about the education of a school-aged child. ConsultLine specialists answer questions and provide information about special education, gifted ed...

10/02/2026

October is Learning Disabilities Awareness Month, an opportunity to increase understanding of the diverse ways students learn.

Learning disabilities can affect areas such as reading, writing, math, listening, and communication. Each student’s strengths and educational needs are unique.

Throughout the month, we recognize students with learning disabilities and the families, educators, and professionals who support their learning.

09/29/2026

Not sure whether your question is something ConsultLine can help with?

Parents and advocates can call with questions about topics such as:

• Evaluations and reevaluations
• IEPs and special education services
• Procedural safeguards and parent rights
• Dispute resolution options
• Special education laws and procedures

ConsultLine is free and confidential.

📞 1-800-879-2301
https://odr-pa.org/consultline/

The Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR) provides the resources for families and educational agencies to resolve educational disputes for children with special needs.

09/25/2026

Looking to learn more about ODR services, hearing officer decisions, or conflict resolution?

ODR offers free trainings for schools, parent groups, and other organizations on a variety of topics.

Training options include:
• ODR Services
• Hearing Officer Decisions
• Conflict Resolution Skills

Explore available trainings and find information about scheduling a session:

https://odr-pa.org/trainings/

09/22/2026

When families and schools have different viewpoints about a child’s special education program, mediation is one option they may consider.

Mediation is free, voluntary, and confidential. If both parties agree to participate, ODR arranges for a neutral, specially trained mediator to help guide the discussion.

The mediator does not decide the dispute for the parties.

Learn more: https://odr-pa.org/mediation/

Mediation The relationship between parents and schools can become strained when there are disagreements and conflict about a child’s program. Research is clear that when parents and schools work together, children have better educational outcomes. Special education mediation is a service offered b...

09/18/2026

Registration is open for ODR’s free Conflict Resolution Skills for Schools and Families training.

Explore conflict management styles, conflict resolution, and strategies for effective conflict engagement across settings.

📅 October 7, 2026
🕐 1:00–4:00 PM
✓ Act 48 credits available

Register:
https://www.pattan.net/Events/Webinar/Course-3085/Events/Session-43022