Office for Dispute Resolution

05/28/2026

Have questions about special education or gifted education processes?

ConsultLine is available to help families learn about their rights and dispute resolution options in Pennsylvania.

Learning about available services can help participants feel more prepared for conversations.

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

The Office for Dispute Resolution Providing Resources For Parents and Educators The Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR) provides the resources for families and educational agencies to resolve educational disputes for children served by the early intervention system, students who are gifted (or thoug...

05/26/2026

Disagreements can happen during the special education process. There are options available to help families and schools work through concerns.

Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process where a neutral mediator supports productive discussion and helps participants explore possible agreements.

Why consider mediation?
✔ Encourages open communication
✔ Supports collaborative problem-solving
✔ Helps participants explore mutually acceptable outcomes

Families and schools can decide together whether mediation may be appropriate for their situation.

Learn more about mediation:https://odr-pa.org/wp-content/uploads/medguide.pdf

05/20/2026

ODR recently added a Hearing Officer Decisions Database to help families, educators, and professionals access past due process decisions.

Reviewing previous decisions can help participants better understand how disputes have been addressed in Pennsylvania.

Explore the database: https://odr-pa.org/due-process/hearing-officer-decisions/

The Office for Dispute Resolution Providing Resources For Parents and Educators The Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR) provides the resources for families and educational agencies to resolve educational disputes for children served by the early intervention system, students who are gifted (or thoug...

05/16/2026

💡 Conflict Resolution Tip

Identifying shared goals ahead of time can help conversations stay focused and productive.

Clear communication can support understanding between families and school teams.

🔗 https://odr-pa.org/trainings/conflict-resolution-skills/

05/13/2026

Sign up for ODR’s free Conflict Resolution Skills for Schools and Families training webinar.

Participants will learn about:
● Conflict management styles
● Conflict resolution strategies
● Effective conflict engagement across settings

Act 48 credits available.

📅 June 3, 2026
🕐 1:00–4:00 PM

Register here: https://www.pattan.net/Events/Webinar/Course-3085/Events/Session-42511

The Office for Dispute Resolution Providing Resources For Parents and Educators The Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR) provides the resources for families and educational agencies to resolve educational disputes for children served by the early intervention system, students who are gifted (or thoug...

05/09/2026

Facilitation and mediation are both voluntary dispute resolution options.

Facilitation focuses on supporting communication during meetings, while mediation is a structured process guided by a neutral mediator.

Learning how each option works can help families and schools determine whether a service may fir their situation.

Learn more:

05/02/2026

Questions about special education or gifted education don’t always happen during meetings – and you don’t have to wait for one.

ConsultLine is a free, confidential helpline where families can learn about their rights, processes, and available dispute resolution options.

Starting with information can help participants better understand what steps may be available.

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

The Office for Dispute Resolution Providing Resources For Parents and Educators The Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR) provides the resources for families and educational agencies to resolve educational disputes for children served by the early intervention system, students who are gifted (or thoug...

04/22/2026

Still have questions this month about special education or gifted education processes?

ConsultLine is available to help families learn about their rights and dispute resolution options in Pennsylvania.

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

04/18/2026

IEP Facilitation is one voluntary service available through ODR.

Families may request facilitation, and schools must also agree before it can be used. A neutral facilitator helps guide the discussion so participants can communicate clearly during IEP meetings.

The facilitator does not make decisions or determine outcomes.

🔗 Learn more: https://odr-pa.org/facilitation/

The Office for Dispute Resolution Providing Resources For Parents and Educators The Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR) provides the resources for families and educational agencies to resolve educational disputes for children served by the early intervention system, students who are gifted (or thoug...

04/14/2026

What is a Hearing Officer Settlement Conference (HOSC)?

An HOSC may occur after a due process complaint has been filed. During the conference, a hearing officer helps the parties discuss the dispute and explore whether an agreement may be possible.

Participation is voluntary.

Learn more about how HOSCs work: https://odr-pa.org/due-process/hearing-officer-settlement-conference/