Welcome to Dispute Resolution
Special Education Guidance for COVID-19
Although the spirit of the federal special education regulations is that parents and schools will arrive at a consensus, sometimes conflict arises. The Office of Dispute Resolution, a unit under Exceptional Student Services (ESS), offers options for parents and schools to address and resolve these special education conflicts.
Parents and school staff are encouraged to communicate and work together to reach an agreement that is in the best interest of the child. Parents may also request in writing that the school reconvene the IEP team to discuss concerns.
To get help in finding a mutual agreement or if problems persist, contact the school and ask to speak with the special education coordinator or special education director.
For additional Information with special education matters beyond the Office of Dispute Resolution, contact the following:
Contact the ESS Program Support & Monitoring (PSM) Specialist
Every Arizona district and charter school has an assigned PSM specialist. PSM specialists provide information related to special education requirements and can help parents, constituents, and schools resolve special education issues at the local level.
RSK is a nonprofit parent organization that provides support and information for parents of children with a full range of disabilities and health care needs from birth to age 26. Programs are offered at no cost to families and are available in English and Spanish.
ESS offers Request Assistance, an email inbox that is available to submit special education questions for a prompt reply. Email your question, and someone will contact you during regular weekday work hours within 24 hours of your posting the question.
Page revised 8/26/21
