First Advisor

Tracy Gershwin

First Committee Member

Paula Conroy

Second Committee Member

Todd Sundeen

Third Committee Member

Michelle Athanasiou

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Document Type

Dissertation

Date Created

8-2021

Department

College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, Special Education, Special Education Student Work

Abstract

The right of parents of students with disabilities to dispute decisions or actions by the school district is one of the tenets of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Of the three formal dispute resolution mechanisms under the IDEA, written state complaints (WSC) are the most commonly completed, from start to finish, yet the least researched. Research of the other dispute resolution processes, due process hearings and mediation, suggests that the processes are costly, stressful for all parties, and cause damage to the FPPs. To address this gap in research, this qualitative study investigated the WSC process from the perspective of the special education director. I conducted 13 semi-structured interviews with special education directors from four states. The directors all had recent experience with the WSC process. To analyze the data, I used the Colaizzi method of phenomenological data analysis. Five themes and several supporting sub-themes emerged from the analysis: (a) precursors to WSCs, (b) WSC prevention strategies, (c) the multifaceted roles of special education directors during the WSC process, (d) the influence of outside stakeholders on the process, and (e) outcomes of WSCs. Implications for practice in the field of pre-service and in-service teacher training and training for parents and advocates are addressed. At the time of this study, it is the first to investigate the WSC from the perspective of any stakeholder group. This study provides a starting point for additional research which may guide policy and procedures of the administration of the WSC process.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Extent

158 pages

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by the author.

Digital Origin

Born digital

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