Special Education ComplaintsAccountability Programs : Minnesota Department of Education

Special Education Complaints
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Special Education Complaints

The special education complaint system is designed to ensure that all students with disabilities are provided a free appropriate public education. A complaint can be filed about any entity that provides publicly funded educational services directly to students, that has violated a state or federal special education law or rule. Before filing a complaint, Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) encourages parents or other persons to first contact the school district’s Director of Special Education, who may be able to help resolve the issue. Additional information, forms and resources are available to help you further understand how and when to file a complaint with MDE.

Dispute Resolution: How to File a Special Education Complaint
This document outlines the way to file a special education complaint with Minnesota Department of Education and what happens once a complaint is received.
English, Hmong , Russian , Somali , Spanish, Vietnamese, Laotian, Khmer (Cambodian) , Chinese, Arabic

Optional Complaint Form
This form is a suggested form for submitting a special education complaint to the Minnesota Department of Education.
English, Hmong, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Vietnamese, Laotian, Khmer (Cambodian),  Chinese, Arabic

Part B Procedural Safeguard Notice Annotated pdf icon 124Kb (6/29/2009)
     This brochure provides an overview of parental rights for public school special education students, sometimes called procedural safeguards. This annotated version contains citations to specific special education laws.
Part B Procedural Safeguards Notice pdf icon 121Kb (11/12/2009)
     This brochure provides an overview of parental rights for public school special education students, sometimes called procedural safeguards.
Private School Complaint Form pdf icon 13Kb (10/6/2005) doc icon 27Kb (10/6/2005)
     This document is used by private schools in regards to public school district consideration to views of private school design and development of special education and related activities for children with disabilities.
Private School Consultation Form pdf icon 46Kb (5/25/2007) doc icon 26Kb (5/25/2007)
     This form can be used by public schools to affirm compliance with the IDEA's requirement that district's "obtain written affirmation signed by representatives of participating private schools" that timely and meaningful consultation has occurred.