Dispute Resolution Committee

The Dispute Resolution Committee is a subcommittee of the "State Advisory Council for Special Education" (SACSE).

The Dispute Resolution Committee meets periodically to review ODE's due process hearings, complaint investigations, and mediation activities. The Committee reports to SACSE and makes recommendations to the Department.

• DRC Roster 

Purpose
The Dispute Resolution Committee is a subcommittee of SACSE to review the Department's complaints and due process resolutions under the IDEA and make recommendations to SACSE and the Department. The purpose of this committee is to ensure an equitable and non-biased system for complaint investigations, due process hearings and other dispute resolution procedures.

Objectives

1. To ensure that implementation of the Department's mediation, complaint investigation and due process hearing systems are carried out with fairness and effectiveness.
2. To provide the Department of Education with review and recommendations on the resolutions to complaint and due process hearings and the procedures used to conduct complaint investigations and due process hearings under the IDEA.
3. To ensure access to appropriate dispute resolution options for resolving special education disputes.

Membership

1. This subcommittee is composed if SACSE members or designees including the SACSE chairperson, at least two parent representatives and two special education representatives, a representative of the Oregon Advocacy Center, a school district attorney, a parent attorney and a mediator.
2. Members of the subcommittee serve for a two-year, renewable term.

Activities

1. The subcommittee meets periodically with the Office of Student Learning & Partnerships Legal Specialist and other staff, as appropriate, to review and analyze complaint and due process orders and complaint and due process management procedures and their implementation.
2. Members of the subcommittee report the results of their review and recommendations to the Office of Student Learning & Partnerships and to the SACSE at least annually.
3. The Office of Student Learning & Partnerships will respond to the recommendation of the subcommittee at least annually.