Exceptional Student Services
Below is a list of resources utilized in the FIEP trainings. These include sample forms and professional development materials which should be adapted to meet the specific needs of your PEA.
State-coordinated Facilitated IEP is a free early resolution option available to public education agencies (PEAs) and parents of children with disabilities to ensure that a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed by a collaborative team in a structured meeting.
The State Complaint falls under the State’s general supervisory authority and is a process through which members of the community can alert the state education agency (SEA) of potential noncompliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in the public schools. The SEA is only authorized to investigate those allegations pertinent to special education procedures as referenced in the IDEA, its implementing regulations, the Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.), and Title 7 of the Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.).
Due Process is the most formal of the dispute resolution options and may be used to resolve any matter relating to the identification, evaluation, or placement of a child, or the provision of a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to the child. A due process complaint can be filed by a parent, the Public Education Agency (PEA) or a student who has reached the age of majority (18 in Arizona).
Mediation is a no-cost, voluntary, problem-solving process rather than an adversarial process that allows parents and Public Education Agencies (PEAs) to communicate directly with each other as they work with a trained mediator toward a mutually agreeable solution. A parent of a student with a disability or a PEA may request mediation to resolve disputes involving any matter that arises under the IDEA or its implementing regulations (identification, evaluation, placement of a child, or the provision of a free appropriate public education).
For general information, email the Dispute Resolution Coordinator or call 602-542-3084.
For Facilitated IEP, email the Alternative Dispute Resolution Specialist or call 602-542-7579.
For more information about special education, visit the ESS homepage.
Jeff Studer | Director of Dispute Resolution