The Right to Be Informed (Page 1): Parents have the right to be informed about their child’s educational program, including goals, progress, and any changes in services. Regular communication is essential.
The Right to Participate in Decision-Making (Page 3): Parents have the right to be actively involved in the development and review of their child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Their input should be considered seriously.
The Right to Prior Written Notice (Page 4): Parents must receive written notice before any significant changes are made to their child’s IEP or placement. This notice should explain the proposed changes and the reasons behind them.
The Right to Consent (Page 5): Parents’ consent is required for initial evaluations, reevaluations, and certain educational placements. They can choose to give or withhold consent.
The Right to Dispute Resolution (Page 7): Parents have the right to resolve disputes with the school district through mediation, due process hearings, or complaints. These processes ensure their concerns are addressed.
The Right to Access Records (Page 9): Parents can access their child’s educational records, review them, and request copies. This helps them stay informed about their child’s progress.
The Right to Confidentiality (Page 11): Parents’ and students’ educational records must be kept confidential. Only authorized individuals can access them.
The Right to Equal Participation (Page 12): Parents should be included in meetings and decisions related to their child’s education on an equal basis with school personnel. Their opinions matter.
The Right to Procedural Safeguards (Page 14): Parents must receive a copy of their rights and procedural safeguards. These documents explain their legal protections in the special education process.
The Right to Legal Representation (Page 16): Parents have the right to seek legal representation if they believe their child’s rights are not being upheld. Legal counsel can provide guidance and support.
Five Key Points for Teachers-in-Training About Due Process Hearings
Importance of Due Process (Page 2): Due process hearings are legal proceedings that ensure parents and schools resolve disputes fairly. Teachers-in-training should understand the significance of this process in safeguarding students’ rights.
Mediation as a First Step (Page 7): Teachers-in-training should know that mediation is often the initial step in dispute resolution. It provides an opportunity for both parties to reach a mutually agreeable solution before a formal hearing.
Due Process Timelines (Page 8): Understanding the timelines for due process hearings is crucial. Teachers-in-training should be aware of the legal deadlines for filing complaints, responses, and hearing decisions.
Rights of All Parties (Page 10): It’s essential to recognize that due process hearings protect the rights of both parents and school districts. Teachers-in-training should respect the legal process and be prepared to provide information as needed.
Appeals and Enforcement (Page 11): Teachers-in-training should be aware that decisions reached in due process hearings can be appealed. They should also understand the enforcement mechanisms in place to ensure compliance with hearing outcomes.
By being well-informed about parents’ rights and due process hearings, teachers and teachers-in-training can contribute to creating a more equitable and transparent educational environment for students with disabilities.
For additional insights into due process and related topics, you can explore these resources: