U.S. Department Of Education Confirms Special Education Dispute Resolution Can Take Place Via Video Conference

On June 22, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education clarified that mediation to resolve special education disputes during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic can take place through video conferences or conference calls. Nothing in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B prevents the parties from agreeing to conduct mediation through alternative means as long as both parties agree. Both state education agencies (SEA) and local education agencies (LEA) can resolve disputes using video conferencing.

The Department of Education encouraged parents and local educational agencies (LEAs) to work collaboratively and informally to resolve IDEA disagreements even . . .