HOW DO THE PARENTS AND SCHOOL RESOLVE A DISAGREEMENT OVER AN IEP?
If a parent rejects an IEP in full or in part, the school district should send a notice of the disagreement to the Department of Education. The DOE should then notify the parents of their rights and how they might be able to resolve the disagreement. Generally, if the parent and school cannot agree on services for the child, the parent or school district may request either mediation or a hearing at the Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA). The BSEA is an administrative division of the Massachusetts Department of Education that resolves disputes between parents and school districts over special education issues. (See referral information at the end of this packet.) Again, until a new placement is ordered or agreed upon, the child should “Stay Put” in the last agreed upon educational placement. As a practical matter, prior to considering a hearing at the Bureau of Special Education Appeals, the parent should have some evidence that the child needs the services the parent desires. F
