Due Process Hearing

What it means

A formal hearing to resolve disagreements between parents and a school district over special education. An independent hearing officer (not employed by the school) listens to both sides, reviews evidence, and makes a binding decision. The parent can challenge the IEP, the evaluation, the placement, or the services being provided. The child stays in their current placement during the hearing (the 'stay put' right). Either side can bring a lawyer. The hearing officer's decision can be appealed to the State Review Officer and then to court.

When you might hear this

You hear this when parents disagree with a school district about their child's special education services. A due process hearing is like a mini-trial where an independent hearing officer decides the dispute.

What to ask