The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) Office of Special Education (OSE) provides three different methods for resolving disputes between the Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) and persons under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The Formal State Complaint process is one tool used for dispute resolution. In addition, the parties can resolve disputes through mediation. Also, the MDE OSE assists parents or LEAs involved in a dispute an opportunity for an impartial due process hearing. In addition to the dispute resolution options, the MDE OSE also offers Individualized Education Program (IEP) Facilitation as a voluntary process that can be used when parents and districts agree that the presence of a neutral third party would help facilitate communication and successful drafting of a student’s IEP.
