Main Library

This library contains CADRE resources as well as State, Lead Agency and Parent Center resources. Please note that CADRE makes no endorsement of the State, Lead Agency and Parent Center resources included here, nor of any policies, procedures, processes, or documents specific to any item.

The Main Library is currently under maintenance. Functionality is limited.

A Critical Look at the IDEA Due Process Hearing System and Suggested Improvements

A Note from CADRE: As conversations continue around the reauthorization of the IDEA, CADRE welcomes ideas and dialogue around possible improvements to the law. This webinar was offered in the spirit of starting a conversation around concerns with the due process system and exploring possible solutions. It was not intended to represent all perspectives, nor do the opinions of the presenters in this webinar necessarily represent the opinions of CADRE. Healthy dialogue is likely to include areas of disagreement but can lead to better outcomes. The important thing is that we engage each other in a...

A Split in the Road: Issues, Outcomes, and Remedies Between and Within State Complaint and Hearing Officer Decisions

About the Webinar: This webinar will present the results of a systematic analysis of a representative sample of complaint procedure decisions and hearing officer decisions in five of the most active states. The comparison will be not only between these two systems for the total sample but also among the five state subsamples. The three dimensions of the comparison will be (a) the issue categories, (b) the outcomes, and, for the parent-favorable outcomes, (c) the remedies. About the Presenter: Perry A. Zirkel is university professor emeritus of education and law at Lehigh University, where he...

A Style Index for Mediators

The Mediator Classification Index (MCI) is designed to assist in understanding the approach or style a mediator tends to use during the mediation process. The MCI is a valuable tool which you may ask prospective mediators to complete as part of the mediator selection process. This is also a valuable tool for mediator self-examination.

A Tale of Two Conversations

A Tale of Two Conversations

A Tale of Two Conversations is a two-part video, originally developed by the Pennsylvania Office for Dispute Resolution , showing actors playing a parent of a child with a disability and a school administrator. The meeting was requested by the parent and takes place in the administrator’s office. Take One shows the parent and administrator talking about the child’s special education program. They are talking, but not listening. Their communication is unproductive. Take Two shows each person using more effective communication skills. We recommend that you view the Understanding Positions &...

A Tale of Two Conversations Study Guide

Introduction A Tale of Two Conversations is a two-part video showing actors playing a parent of a child with special needs and a school administrator. The meeting was requested by the parent and takes place in the administrator’s office. Take One shows the parent and administrator talking about the child’s special education program. They are talking, but not listening. Their communication is unproductive. Take Two shows each person using more effective communication skills. All of our relationships can benefit from reflecting on and improving how we communicate. This Study Guide uses A Tale of...

ADR Options

There is a spectrum of dispute resolution processes, ranging from informal discussion to formal adjudication. The concept behind the development of alternative dispute resolution, or "ADR," is that the traditional adjudicatory model of dispute resolution is not always the best approach. Rather, the concept has developed that "the forum should fit the fuss," and not vice versa.

APR/SPP Indicator Summaries

These documents contain the 2022 (FFY 2020-21) SPP/APR Analyses for the Dispute Resolution Indicators (B15 & B16 and C9 & C10). For the Analyses completed by OSEP-funded Technical Assistance and Dissemination projects visit OSEP's SPP/APR Communities Resources webpage .

Beyond Mediation and Facilitation: Exploring Early Resolution Options

Video of Beyond Mediation and Facilitation: Exploring Early Resolution Options About the Webinar: Across the nation, states are developing innovative ways to respond to and prevent conflict. This webinar will showcase three early resolution practices that have been adopted by SEAs in Washington State, Georgia, and Louisiana. These practices attempt to minimize conflict by increasing the capacity of systems and individuals to meaningfully collaborate and problem solve. Participants will hear Scott Raub speak about Washington’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Parent Liaison...

Beyond Mediation Dialogue Guide

In collaboration with CADRE, the IDEA Partnership has developed a Dialogue Guide on the important topic of dispute resolution. Using CADRE's work on early and innovative dispute resolution processes, the Partnership has developed both an Executive Summary of CADRE's document Beyond Mediation: Strategies For Appropriate Early Dispute Resolution In Special Education and a Dialogue Starter for Dispute Resolution. Dialogue Guides are models for conducting interactive discussions across stakeholders (families, practitioners, professional associations, professors, policymakers, legislators) in...

Building Trust, Breaking Blame, and Healing Shame: Conflict Coaching Conversations for Constructive Futures

Relationships in special education and early intervention can be stormy and may be damaged beyond repair when three indicators of dysfunction dictate the conversation and the direction — Mistrust, Blame, and Shame. When someone feels they aren't safe with another ("I can't trust them to care about/protect me and mine."); or the other is to blame ("It's their fault." "They MEANT this to happen."); or they have let themselves down ("I'm unworthy, unable, unacceptable." I'm ashamed of myself."); we create the fuel for "Hurt People to Hurt People." From a first family contact through all of our...

CADRE and ACCTM Present: Voices from the Field

During The Sixth National Symposium on Dispute Resolution in Special Education , with support from the ACCTM , CADRE's Director Marshall Peter conducted interviews with seven different representatives from the field of dispute resolution and special education. The interviews encompass a wide range of topics, including thoughts on mediation, IEP facilitation, hearing officer training and evaluation, and stakeholder engagement. Please click on the link to view the interviews. Trisha Bergin-Lytton, Mediator/Facilitator/ Trainer/Consultant Jeanne Bowman, Independent Child Advocate Doug McDougall...

CADRE and JAMS Foundation Present: Voices from the Field

During T he Fifth National Symposium on Dispute Resolution in Special Education , with support from the JAMS Foundation, CADRE's Director Marshall Peter conducted interviews with ten different representatives from the field of dispute resolution and special education. The interviews encompass a wide range of topics, including thoughts on mediation, IEP facilitation, hearing officer training and evaluation, and stakeholder engagement. Also included on this page are links to interviews CADRE conducted with our four Exemplar States. The videos are organized below alphabetically. Please click on...