What If I Disagree?

Federal and state regulations provide formal ways to resolve disputes, such as due process hearings and appeals to state and federal court. In addition, there are other options available to help parents and districts resolve disagreements, which do not involve hearing officers or attorneys.

As of July 1, 2005, the federal law that pertains to special education is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Improvement Act of 2004 or "IDEA 04". IDEA '04 makes many significant changes to IDEA '97, the prior law governing special education. Changes in IDEA '04 have impacted the federal regulations and forms currently in use in Pennsylvania, as well as the Procedural Safeguards available to parents. The state regulations are currently in the process of being revised to bring them into alignment with IDEA '04, and therefore you are encouraged to revisit this web site periodically to check on the status of the state regulation process. You may also check the State Board of Education website, www.pde.state.pa.us/stateboard ed for updates regarding the state regulations.