December 14, 2022
4:05 pm
CADRE (The Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education)
If you have a child who is receiving special education services, you’re more than likely to be very
involved with your child’s school and teachers — including planning, reviewing, and assessing your
child’s educational program. Over time, you will learn a lot about the special education process and how
to communicate and negotiate on your child’s behalf. While your knowledge, skill, and confidence will
naturally increase, there are some specific communication skills that can help you be most successful
in developing and maintaining a strong partnership with your child’s school. We hope these “Steps to
Success – Communicating with Your Child’s School” will be particularly helpful to parents who are new to the special education process.
Click HERE to find this resource in 13 different languages and includes important information for families.
March 1, 2022
1:59 pm
CADRE (The Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education) CADRE is funded by the Office of Special Education Programs at the US Department of Education to serve as the National Center on Dispute Resolution in Special Education.
CADRE reviews and analyzes the IDEA dispute resolution data that state educational agencies annually report to OSEP. This information is then compiled to create summaries that provide an historical look at dispute resolution data and assist with the identification of trends and changes in the use of dispute resolution processes over time. The summaries below feature data for school years (July 1-June 30) 2010 -11 through 2020-21.
Click here: Rhode Island State Data
March 1, 2022
1:54 pm
CADRE (The Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education) CADRE is funded by the Office of Special Education Programs at the US Department of Education to serve as the National Center on Dispute Resolution in Special Education. They encourage the use of mediation, facilitation, and other collaborative processes as strategies for resolving disagreements between families and schools related to special education.
CADRE supports families, educators, administrators, attorneys and advocates to benefit from the full continuum of dispute resolution options that can prevent and resolve conflict and ultimately lead to informed partnerships that focus on results for children and youth.
For more information visit CADRE.
May 15, 2020
1:42 pm
Distance Learning is a way of learning remotely without being in regular face-to-face contact with a teacher in the classroom. Rhode Island has implemented Distance Learning to provide access to a student’s education during COVID-19. Distance Learning is the equivalent of a school day and attendance is required. It’s important that schools and families work together to create successful learning environments.
For parent resources related to special education from the Rhode Island Department of Education, click HERE.
May 15, 2020
1:38 pm
The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) has received many inquiries about further interpretation of the official guidance offered by the US Department of Education. In the absence of further official guidance, the following information is offered to assist teams in meeting the needs of students during this crisis. The recommendations found in our Recommendations Document (version 4/1/2020) are not regulatory guidance or an interpretation of federal laws, regulations or state regulations, but are information provided to assist the Rhode Island special education community with thoughtful considerations in meeting the needs of students through this challenging crisis.
For more information, click HERE.
IEP Meeting Guidance – page 3
Initial Evaluations and Re-evaluations Guidance – page 4
May 1, 2020
4:29 pm
A due process hearing may be appropriate when the IEP Team cannot resolve disagreements about identification, evaluation, or placement of a child with a disability or the services outlined in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP), or how those services are provided. This 7-minute video provides a brief overview of the special education due process complaints and how to file a request for a due process hearing.
For more information, click HERE.
May 1, 2020
4:24 pm
When you have concerns that IDEA requirements are not being followed and want to request an investigation, filing a written state complaint might be appropriate. This 7-minute video provides a brief overview to the process.
For more information, click HERE.
May 1, 2020
4:15 pm
After a parent files a due process complaint, parents and school districts have the opportunity to resolve issues through a resolution. This 8 minute video provides a brief overview of the process that takes place after a due process complaint is filed.
For more information, click HERE.
December 9, 2019
3:38 pm
The very teamwork and collaboration that are at the core of IDEA are also at the core of a best practice in special education: Local Special Education Parent Advisory Councils (SEPACs).
An effective SEPAC (or Local Advisory Committee – LAC) takes the teamwork of the IEP process one step further, putting parents in the role of advisors who use their family’s experiences, unique perspectives, and expertise to influence decisions and help shape programs and policies at the local level.
An effective SEPAC is more than a meeting – it is an approach and a mindset that truly values the advice of parents. When parent advisors are valued and engaged through local SEPACs, they can work together with school district staff and community leaders to improve education, not only for those with disabilities but for all children.
The Center for Parent Information and Resources offers this guide as a road map to help bring stakeholders together, suggests strategies to help them engage in dialogue, and discusses best practices to help them work together to benefit the local community. It draws on experience and practice from states in which Local Advisory Committees (LACs) have been in operation for decades. Rhode Island school districts are encouraged to use this guide in developing and maintaining their Local Advisory Committees on Special Education (LAC).
To use this interactive guidebook, open the below link and click on Table of Contents at the top of the page on the right. A window will open and allow you to download templates, resources and website links.
December 9, 2019
3:31 pm
This presentation was shared by RIPIN at the 11/7/19 Special Education Advisory Network meeting. This is to be used as an introduction to the new technical assistance guidebook “Advocacy In Action: A Guide to Local Special Education Parent Advisory Councils.”
SEAN Meeting – 11.7.19 (NEW T.A. Guidebook)
