As reported at the U.S. Department of Education’s (USDE) Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) annual conference, a survey by the Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education shows 98% of local special education directors said most relationships with families are positive, and 95% reported that most IEP meetings with parents and school staff are collaborative. However, 45% of the 463 survey respondents said their school district is experiencing an increase in conflicts that can’t be resolved through IEP team meetings.
A related finding shows special education directors responding to the survey said they need specialized training in handling higher levels of conflict due to increased tensions and intensity in recent years and 69% expressed a need for conflict engagement and resolution skills.
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