The Alternative Dispute Resolution for California (ADRCal) Resource Directory provides information and resources for special educators, parents, Local Educational Agencies (LEAs), Special Education Local Plan Areas (SELPAs), and districts across California. ADRCal offers resources to diminish conflict and improve partnerships and relationships. In addition, these resources may assist in reducing formal complaints, due process filings, and associated costs.
ADR BROCHURES
The ADR Community of Practice, facilitated by ADRCal, has developed some general brochures about ADR that SELPAs and LEAs may use to introduce families and professionals to ADR. These brochures can be customized for your LEA or SELPA. They are available in several languages.
ADR COACHES
Who Are They?
The ADR Coaches are a group of diverse and skillful neutrals with experience in special education to assist Special Education Local Plan Areas (SELPAs) with Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) processes that effectively mitigate disputes related to learning loss and challenges due to the impact of distance learning mandates caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on students within the special education setting. Find a list a coaches and learn more about each here: ADR Coaches You can also download a handy, two-page chart with the ADR Coach Areas of Expertise (opens in a new tab).
What Can They Do?
The ADR Coaches bring a wealth of knowledge, skills, and experience related to ADR. Here are some of the ways you might work with an ADR Coach:
- Provide Participant and Stakeholder Training in ADR Practices and Strategies
- Assist School Personnel with Managing Disagreement
- Train Staff to Participate in Facilitated IEPs
- Conduct Facilitated IEPs
- Assist in the Development of ADR Program or Continuum of Services
- Train Parents to Participate in ADR Processes
- Support Virtual ADR Meetings
- Facilitate ADR Meetings
- Brainstorm how to Engage with Underserved and Diverse Families
How Do I Find A Coach To Work With?
The ADR Coaches are independent contractors. ADRCal provides a centralized way to locate the ADR Coaches, but does not serve as a broker. Someone interested in using an ADR Coach should look at the ADR Coach webpages and the Areas of Expertise document to identify some ADR Coaches that seem to be a good match and then contact those coaches individually.
What Are The Costs Of Working With A Coach?
Each ADR Coach sets their own fees and negotiate their own contracts.
How Were They Selected?
The ADR Coaches were selected through an RFA process. All applications were reviewed by a committee made up of ADR CoP members. Please note, the coaches have not been vetted by the California Department of Education. This program is provided as an additional resource for SELPAs.
How Can I Share Feedback?
ADRCal is interested in hearing your thoughts about the ADR Coaches Program. Please share your feedback through an anonymous Google Form. (You will have the option to leave your name and contact information if you wish.)
OSEP FAQ on Part B Dispute Resolution under COVID-19
This FAQ document (PDF opens in new tab) was published on June 22, 2020.
CONTACT A COLLEAGUE:
Contact a Colleague Brochure - Outside
Contact a Colleague Brochure - Inside
Sometimes you just need to communicate with someone in the trenches...and that's what our Contact a Colleague brochure is all about. Members of the ADRCal Community of Practice have made themselves available to you to discuss topics related to ADR.
FEATURED RESOURCE:
Better than Court: Using Alternative Dispute Resolution Grants in Special Education
This paper describes how California’s ADR funds were spent, convey perspectives of grant recipients, and make recommendations for future funding. The data shared demonstrates that Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) systems are proving to have a positive impact on collaboration, conflict resolution, and due process and compliance complaint avoidance.
RECOMMEND A RESOURCE
If you know of a resource that would enhance the Resource Directory offerings, please contact, Susan Stewart. We encourage submissions of locally developed tools and documents. ADRCal will periodically review the recommended resources.
CONTACT US
For more information about ADRCal, or questions regarding the content found on this site, please contact:
Susan Stewart, Educational Technology Manager
Special Education Alternative Dispute Resolution
Napa County Office of Education
slstewart@napacoe.org
707.548.4910