SPECIAL EDUCATION IN ONE HOUR

HOW TO WIN SPECIAL EDUCATION CASESLusk & Albertson, PLCOverviewThe TitleThe PresenterThe PresentationFormal Dispute Resolution ProcessesProblems with Formal Dispute ResolutionDispute PreventionInformal Dispute Resolution OpportunitiesThe ChallengeLusk & Albertson, PLCPart 8 ComplaintsPart 8 of What?

R 340.1851 1855

Complaint Form (MDE Web Site)Who are You?What Happened?What Do You Want?Formal Dispute ResolutionPart 8 ComplaintsPart 8 ProceduresFilingPart 8 Issues - Compliance1 Year Limitation PeriodInvestigationInvestigatorOpportunity for Informal Dispute ResolutionDuty to Cooperate60 Calendar Days for Final DecisionReconsiderationFormal Dispute ResolutionPart 8 ComplaintsPart 8 ProceduresFinal DecisionsNo ViolationCorrective Action and Proof of ComplianceAssurance of Future ComplianceCompensatory EducationPotential SanctionsWithhold Funding or Withhold Credentials, Authorizations, Etc.File a Civil Action Compelling ComplianceAppeals

Formal Dispute ResolutionThoughts on Part 8Fairly Efficient and Predictable

Reasonably Painless

Formal Dispute ResolutionThoughts on Due Process ComplaintsTime Consuming and Expensive

Psychologically Painful

Formal Dispute ResolutionDue Process ComplaintsComplaint Form (MDE Web Site)FilingDue Process Issues, Typically:Procedural Issues (Compliance)Placement IssuesMDR IssuesTwo Year Limitations Period

Formal Dispute ResolutionDue Process Complaint ProceduresPre-Hearing ConferenceScheduled by ALJ (Timing)AgendaIdentify IssuesDetermine Hearing Dates and LocationsAddress 5-Day RuleOpen or ClosedAddress Other Procedural Issues

Formal Dispute ResolutionDue Process Complaint ProceduresPre-Hearing Legal PracticeAddress Sufficiency of ComplaintRespond to (Answer) ComplaintMove to Dismiss Non-Hearable ClaimsClaims Under Other Laws (E.g., Section 504)Claims Related to Identity of Service Providers

Formal Dispute ResolutionDue Process Complaint ProceduresResolution Session*Mandatory15 Days of Receiving Notice of ComplaintParticipantsParents and Relevant StaffAttorneys?

Formal Dispute ResolutionDue Process Complaint ProceduresPre-Hearing PreparationLocate Potential ExhibitsIdentify Potential Witness5-Day Rule CompliancePrepare Districts WitnessesPrepare for Opposing Witnesses

Formal Dispute ResolutionDue Process Complaint ProceduresHearingHearing ParticipantsHearing OrderOpening StatementsParents Case-in-ChiefDistricts Case-in-ChiefRebuttalClosing Argument or Post-Hearing Briefs

Formal Dispute ResolutionDue Process Complaint ProceduresHearingHearing ParticipantsHearing OrderOpening StatementsParents Case-in-ChiefDistricts Case-in-ChiefRebuttalClosing Argument or Post-Hearing Briefs

Formal Dispute ResolutionDue Process Complaint ProceduresALJ Decision and OrderIn Districts FavorAgainst District, in Whole or Part

Legal and Other Consequences

Formal Dispute ResolutionDue Process Complaint ProceduresAppealsTrial Court (State or Federal)File ComplaintAdditional EvidenceCourt of AppealsSupreme Court

Formal Dispute ResolutionFinancial Cost$10,000 Per Hearing Day (Conservative)Your Attorney75% Cost of Hearing

Appeals Cost More

Problems with Due Process HearingsTime CostAdministrative Time

Staff Time

Problems with Due Process HearingsPsychological CostStaff Stress

Parent Stress

Student Stress

Problems with Due Process HearingsYou Might Lose The CaseWarning SignsAdult Issues on School SideProcedural ErrorsPoor Student ProgressVis--vis Reasonable ExpectationsNo Clear Path to SuccessLosingIncreases Financial, Time and Emotional CostsMakes You VulnerableProblems with Due Process HearingsStaff TrainingSpecial Education StaffReminders of FundamentalsUpdated on Latest DevelopmentsGeneral Education AdministratorsSame as Special Education StaffImportance of AccountabilityGeneral Education StaffMust Train and Secure Buy-InMust Hold AccountableDispute PreventionStaff AttitudeCaring

Positive

Realistic

Dispute PreventionStaff Evaluation InstrumentsProhibited Subject of Bargaining

Importance of Evaluation Results

50% Based on Student Achievement

Other 50% Should Include Legal ComplianceDispute PreventionRecognize The Warning SignsChronic Behavioral IssuesParental BelligerenceParental DishonestyReluctance to CooperateAdvocates and AttorneysIEE RequestsRefusal to Consent to EvaluationsPart 8 and OCR Complaints

Dispute PreventionReacting to Warning SignsFrankly Evaluate Districts PositionIs District Providing FAPECheck Attitude of Service ProvidersFix District ShortcomingsOnce District is Solid - Dont Go WobblyDont Stop Providing FAPE for ParentsDont Impair Educational EnvironmentOther StudentsStaffExpense

Dispute PreventionDispute Resolution At IEPT MeetingsFocus on Purpose of Special EducationDont Talk About PolicyBe Frank About Negative Consequences of Too MuchToo Many Pull OutsToo Many ModificationsToo Much Time in General EducationGive a Little, Provided:Still Providing FAPENot Compromising Education Environment

Informal Dispute Resolution OpportunitiesDispute Resolution After Warning SignsWarning Signs Slide

Natural Reaction

Smart Reaction Reach OutHear Parent OutEducate ParentDiscuss Opportunities for Resolution

Informal Dispute Resolution OpportunitiesResolution Session and/or MediationValue of Resolution SessionDocumenting ResolutionKnow What You Want to AccomplishTypicallyWant to Provide FAPEWant to Secure Dismissal and ReleaseResolution Session v MediationImportance of MediatorHelp the Mediator Help You

Informal Dispute Resolution OpportunitiesEnhanced MediationMediator/Designee as Decision Maker

Agreement with ParentCreates Procedure for Fact FindingEmpowers Mediator to Decide Issues

Great for Small Intractable Cases

Informal Dispute Resolution OpportunitiesOffers of JudgmentWhat

When

EffectNarrow IssuesPosition District for Award of Attorneys Fees

Informal Dispute Resolution OpportunitiesChoosing Cases for HearingDistrict Should Chose Cases for Hearing

CriteriaEffect on Subject StudentEffect on Educational EnvironmentOther StudentsExpenseStaff

The ChallengeFive ExamplesCertain Nurse CaseCertain Paraprofessional CaseCertain LRE CasesCertain Discipline CasesCertain Evaluation Cases

The ChallengeQuestionsHow to Win Special Education Cases

Robert A. LuskLusk & Albertson, PLC40950 Woodward, Ste. 350Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304(248) 988-5662Questions