Office for Dispute Resolution

06/20/2026

Still have questions about special education or gifted education?

ConsultLine provides free, confidential information for families seeking to better understand their rights, processes, and available dispute resolution options.

📞 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.

06/17/2026

Did you know there are different styles of mediation?

ODR mediators may use different approaches depending on the needs of the participants and the situation being discussed. Mediation remains a voluntary and confidential process focused on supporting communication and understanding.

🔗 https://odr-pa.org/mediation/styles-of-mediation/

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...

06/13/2026

Navigating due process can feel overwhelming.

ODR’s Due Process Parent & Family Guide was created to help families better understand the process, important timelines, and what to expect along the way.

Explore the guide here: https://odr-pa.org/due-process-parent-and-family-guide/

06/06/2026

IEP/ISFP Facilitation is one voluntary option available through ODR.

Families may request facilitation, and schools must also agree before the service can be used. A neutral facilitator helps guide communication during meetings and supports productive discussion.

The facilitator does not make decisions or determine outcomes.

Learn more about IEP/IFSP Facilitation: https://odr-pa.org/facilitation/iep-ifsp-facilitation/

06/03/2026

Questions about special education or gifted education can come up at any point during the school year.

ConsultLine is a free, confidential resource for families looking to better understand processes, timelines, and dispute resolution options in Pennsylvania.

Starting with information can help participants feel more prepared for future conversations.

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

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...

05/28/2026

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...