• What Is Alternative Dispute Resolution? 

    Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), is an informal method of settling disagreements that may sometimes occur in special education. The goal of ADR is to promote understanding, open communication, and arrive at solutions that support and strengthen the relationship between families and school districts.  ADR is designed to meet the interests of all parties which results in a crafted, mutually agreeable outcome, rather than having a decision made by a third party such as a hearing officer or judge. 

    ADR is completely voluntary and always confidential. How does it work?

    ADR Intake:
    When a disagreement occurs regarding a student's educational program, ADR intake can come in the form of a phone call, written letter, written notice from Procedural Safeguards Referral Services with CDE, or a potential due process. The SELPA Intake Coordinator is trained to match strategies to the disputes and is available to both parents and LEA staff to assist with the ADR process. During the intake, all concerns are heard and help is provided to both parties in identifying problems and conflicts. The ADR collaborative process allows for both parties to build relationships and is the first step in a positive resolution for both the parent and the district so that matters do not escalate into a potential complaint or due process. To begin the intake process, please call the WCCUSD Special Education Department at 510 307-4630 or email Guthrie Fleischman, SELPA Director at gfleischman@茄子视频. 

    Resource Parent Guidance and Support: Resource Parents are volunteers who have children with exceptional needs in the West Contra Costa Unified School District. They are trained in the IEP process, district policies and procedures and Alternative Dispute Resolution. Resource Parents receive ongoing training to stay current on changes to the district as well as State and Federal laws. Whether a child is in general education with an Individualized Education Plan, or receiving support through a Section 504 Plan, Resource Parents are available to support all WCCUSD families. With extensive experience with specific disabilities and services, they are able to direct you to the right person for your situation. To contact a Resource Parent, please call 510 307-4634. To speak  with Jeanine Bishop, Parent Liaison, please call 510 307-4669 or email jbishop@茄子视频. 

    IEP Facilitation or Collaborative IEPs (ADR Meeting): This process provides a choice of additional elements to facilitate or guide the IEP team meeting, including pre-meeting preparation through follow-up tasks. As part of the process, there may be a neutral facilitator who clarifies the agenda and meeting outcomes, enforces working agreements, keeps the group focused on the IEP process, encourages problem-solving, monitors time and encourages participation by all team members. Additionally, there is a recorder who records key ideas and information, asks for clarification and makes corrections while maintaining a neutral perspective. The outcome of the facilitated or collaborative IEP is a signed IEP which has been developed collaboratively and with agreement between the LEA and parents. 

    Resolution Meeting:  The Local Education Agency is required to offer an ADR resolution meeting within 15 days of receiving a filing for due process. Attorneys are not intended to be involved. This meeting provides the opportunity for discussion and clarification of issues, with both the school and parent, including a neutral facilitator trained to help the parties come to a resolution. The team collaboratively determines solutions to the issues and creates a written agreement which in turn maintains a positive rapport between both parties. 

    Mediation: Mediation is a way of settling a disagreement through facilitated discussion. At mediation, the parties have the help of a trained mediator, who is unbiased and independent. The mediator helps the parties work together to try to find a solution that will satisfy those involved. The parties decide whether or not the dispute is settled. If the parties try mediation but can’t reach an agreement, they still have the right to continue to a due process hearing. 


    Additional ADR Resources:

    WCCUSD Alternative Dispute Resolution

    WCCUSD Alternative Dispute Resolution - Spanish