WHY CHOOSE ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION?

COLLABORATION

Special Education Staff are available to assist the IEP team meetings prior to the scheduling of an ADR.  The ADR itself is an opportunity for a collaborative and non-adversarial meeting to review and problem-solve the areas of concern and disagreement.  It is an opportunity to discuss special education related issues in a confidential setting where all participants work together to define steps that will collectively resolve the issues.

TIMELY RESOLUTION

Together the participants will work toward a clear and defined plan to address each area of concern or dispute in a timely manner.  A resolution through the ADR process may be reached within a few days or shortly thereafter, depending on the complexity of the issues and the planning required to resolve them.

REDUCTION OF COSTLY RESOURCES

There is no cost to parents to participate in an ADR meeting.  When both parent and district collaborate together in the problem solving-model, costs are potentially saved in legal and advocate fees.  The ADR process does not preclude parents from seeking legal consultation.