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.

CADRE's Exemplar Collection

CADRE’s Exemplar Initiative: Identifying, Profiling and Showcasing Resources from High-Performing State Special Education and Early Intervention Dispute Resolution Systems State System Profiles Between Fall 2008 and Summer 2010, CADRE undertook a process to identify state special education and early intervention dispute resolution systems that are particularly effective and to characterize those systems and their components in ways that would be useful to other states that are considering improvement activities. Four state systems - Iowa, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin - were identified...

Considerations for Mediating with People Who Are Culturally Deaf

Historically, mediation has not been an effective venue for dispute resolution for Deaf people because of linguistic inaccessibility and cultural non-recognition. Like other linguistic minority groups who experience and resolve conflict in a manner consistent with their social and communicative norms Deaf people have some unique perspectives. The following article illuminates some of these perspectives and explains how mediators can address these differences when working with Deaf people, in order to make mediation a more linguistically and culturally respectful and responsive endeavor. A...

Considering Mediation for Special Education Disputes: A School Administrator's Perspective

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This document was updated in 2019. This pamphlet describes, from an administrators perspective, the benefits of participating in mediation as a means to solve special education disputes between parents and educators. It dispels common concerns and also provides helpful tips to those considering mediation as a dispute resolution option. This document was originally published in September 2001, and was updated in 2019. Interested in IEP Facilitation? Check out CADRE's Considering IEP Facilitation: A School Administrator's Perspective .

DC - Ombudsman for Public Education Annual Report

DC - Ombudsman for Public Education Annual Report
Un defensor educativo, también conocido como defensor de padres, defensor de niños, defensor de estudiantes o defensor independiente, ayuda a los padres de estudiantes con discapacidades a transitar el complejo mundo de la educación especial[2big].

District Self-assessment for Collaborative and Early Dispute Resolution Processes

Collaborative processes and early dispute resolution in special education are proactive approaches designed to meaningfully engage families in the decision-making process, and address and resolve conflicts as they arise. Districts with effective collaborative processes and early dispute resolution practices continually endeavor to foster mutual understanding, trust, and partnerships in developing and implementing individualized education programs (IEPs) that address students’ needs appropriately. Implementing these approaches promotes positive relationships and reduces adversarial interactions...

Educating our Children Together: A Sourcebook for Effective Family-School-Community Partnerships

Introduction The introduction to this sourcebook stresses the need for schools, communities, and families to work together to educate children to be productive and caring 21 st century citizens. American families are described as more diverse than ever before, spanning cultures, languages, levels of education, and socioeconomic and demographic differences. Family involvement is defined in an expansive way to include and recognize the value of a broad spectrum of activities that involve family members and/or guardians helping children to learn, both at home and at school. Barriers that limit...

Educational Advocates: A Guide for Parents

An educational advocate, also known as a parent advocate, child advocate, student advocate, or independent advocate, assists parents of students with disabilities in navigating the complex world of special[2big]

Engaging Parents in Productive Partnerships

Engaging Parents in Productive Partnerships is an easy-to-read presentation of suggestions on how educators and service providers can effectively collaborate with parents including specific recommendations for IEP meetings. Tell us what you think of the document, please click here to take a short survey. (link is external) To order copies of this publication, please fill out this order form.

Exemplar State Profiles

CADRE has profiled four exemplary state special education dispute resolution systems: Iowa, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Each of the state's profiles is available individually and all four profiles are included in a single combined document. In all four of these states, the Early Intervention (Part C) dispute resolution system is managed by the same entity that manages the Part B system. Oklahoma has adopted Part B timelines for their Part C system. These profiles present an overview of each state's system, focusing on some common aspects of state system performance and emphasizing...

FACT - Special Education Toolkit (2016)

FACT - State Complaint Toolkit