Dispute Resolution in Special Education (DRSE)
Comprehensive and Affordable Professional Development in Dispute Resolution
The Dispute Resolution in Special Education (DRSE) Network, housed at the Center for Technical Assistance for Excellence in Special Education (TAESE), offers comprehensive, affordable, and customizable professional development for state education agencies (SEAs) and dispute resolution specialists across the country.
DRSE supports all areas of special education dispute resolution, including mediation, IEP facilitation, complaint investigation, and due process hearings. Through expert-led trainings, collaborative workgroups, and tailored mentoring, DRSE helps states strengthen their systems and build capacity in alignment with IDEA requirements and state-specific regulations.
Quarterly DRSE Workgroups
Join a nationwide community of professionals through quarterly workgroups designed for:
- Complaint investigators
- Due process hearing officers
- IEP facilitators
- Mediators
Each year includes 16 two-hour sessions featuring facilitated discussions, legal updates, and best practices. Participating states benefit from shared learning and expert guidance.
Custom Mentoring & Development
Need tailored support? DRSE offers:
- One-on-one mentoring and coaching
- Custom webinars and training sessions
- Support for new SEA staff and contractors
- Delivery options: virtual or in-person
All content is aligned to your state’s regulations and designed to meet your team’s unique needs.
Nationwide Virtual Trainings
Open to all states, DRSE’s national trainings include:
- Mediator Training: Communication tools, negotiation strategies, and session best practices
- Complaint Investigator Training: Report writing, legal compliance, and corrective action strategies
These sessions are ideal for sharpening skills and staying current with IDEA dispute resolution essentials.
DRSE Network Partner States
The DRSE Network proudly collaborates with state education agencies across the country to deliver high-quality dispute resolution training and support. Recent partner states include:
- Alabama (AL)
- Arizona (AZ)
- Colorado (CO)
- Georgia (GA)
- Kansas (KS)
- Kentucky (KY)
- Montana (MT)
- Nebraska (NE)
- New Mexico (NM)
- North Dakota (ND)
- Oklahoma (OK)
- Oregon (OR)
- Pennsylvania (PA)
- South Dakota (SD)
- Utah (UT)
- Wyoming (WY)

Let's talk Dispute Resolution
As the DRSE continues to grow, we welcome new states and Dispute Resolution professionals.
Talk to Laura Lema at


