Commission on Youth reviews draft recommendations to strengthen Virginia special-education dispute-resolution system

The Virginia Commission on Youth on Tuesday reviewed draft recommendations aimed at strengthening the state's special-education dispute-resolution system, including proposals to expand training, increase oversight of state complaints, restructure facilitated IEPs and change the Parent Ombudsman's staffing and location.

The recommendations, developed and vetted by an advisory group of parents, advocates and subject-matter experts and presented by Commission staff member Amy, are intended to make dispute-resolution options under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) more accessible, consistent and neutral for families. The commission will post the draft recommendations online and accept written public comment through Oct. 15; members plan to consider votes at their Oct. 21 meeting.

The advisory-group-vetted package includes 22 draft recommendations that cover state complaint procedures, facilitated IEPs, special-education mediation, due-process hearings and the state Parent Ombudsman. Among the proposals are mandatory and…