Informal meetings are part of the Procedural Safeguards for Dispute Resolution. Parents have the right to disagree with decisions that the school system makes.
Informal meetings allow the parent and school to resolve the issues without intervention from an outside agency. Direct communication can bring both sides to a mutual understanding to promptly address an issue. These meetings allow both sides to collaborate more effectively, reach decisions faster, and preserve relationships.
Put it in writing.
Working with the main contact person (this could be a teacher, case manager, or a therapist) to discuss what you are not happy with is a good first step. This may be a phone call, email, or sending a request for a meeting. It is best practice to document your requests and concerns in writing.
- Document the issues and proposed solutions.
- Parent Advocacy Resources for effective communication.
If your concerns aren’t resolved in that first meeting, then contact your student’s teacher. If that doesn’t fix it, then contact the building principal, then the building special education supervisor, then the district special education supervisor, then the regional special education supervisor, ISD/RESA special education supervisor. Each ISD also has a Compliance Monitor, who’s job includes investigating complaints.
The Power of Notice
When a school agrees to make or refuses to make specific changes to your child’s IEP or IFSP, they should provide a written document that explains their reasoning. Parents need the information included in Notice so they can make informed decisions about what to do next.
- Written Notice is an explanation provided when the district wants to take an action, or when the district refuses to take the action.
When parents have a special education concern, several options are available to address and resolve the disagreement:
- Dispute Resolution When parents have a special education concern, several options are available to address and resolve the disagreement
- Informal Meetings Most concerns can be resolved through direct discussions with the teacher or school staff.
- Facilitation or Mediation Voluntary and confidential free services aimed at resolving disputes related to special education and early intervention services.
- State Complaint If you believe your child’s educational rights have been violated or their IEP or IFSP is not being followed, you can file a formal complaint with the Michigan Department of Education Office of Special Education.
- Due Process Complaint and Hearing A due process complaint requests a formal hearing before an Administrative Law Judge due to disagreements concerning the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or provision of FAPE.
- Civil Rights Concerns involving harassment, discrimination, access issues, or civil rights violations can be addressed through the federal Office for Civil Rights or Michigan Department for Civil Rights.
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