Special Needs Advocacy Network, Inc. (SPaN)
1/26/2010 SpedEx: Can It Help Deliver FAPE On Time, Every Time?

SpedEx is a new due process option at the BSEA, available as an alternative form of dispute resolution for cases in which a hearing request has been filed.  In this voluntary pilot project, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will pay for an independent education consultant, who helps parents and schools determine a student's appropriate program and placement, and then observes the student in the placement to be sure it works as intended.

 Dr. Alec Peck is an Associate Professor of Special Education at Boston College, the higher education representative on the Massachusetts Special Education Advisory Council (SAC), and the administrator of the SpedEx pilot project.  He will tell us more about the program, providing redacted case examples if possible.  His presentation will also address questions such as:
  • How are cases chosen for SpedEx?  Are there any requirements to qualify, besides having filed for hearing?
  • Who are the experts?  What is the process for reaching agreement on an expert?
  • How has it been going?  When does this method seem to work well?  What factors seem to work against it?
  • How does this compare to a settlement conference?  When should we prefer SpedEx over a settlement conference, or vice versa?
  • What results will mean that this pilot program was success?  What will happen if the pilot program succeeds?

Special Needs Advocacy Network, Inc. * P.O. Box 269 * Natick, MA* USA * 01760 Phone: (508) 655-7999
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The Special Needs Advocacy Network, Inc. (SPaN) seeks to ensure that all content and information published at our website is current and accurate. The information does not in any way constitute legal or professional advice and SPaN cannot be held liable for actions arising from its use. In addition, SPaN cannot be held responsible for the contents of any externally linked pages.

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