Appeals Process, Dispute Resolution

The appeals process begins when a student, parent or guardian is not satisfied with the review team decision regarding gifted education identification and/or services. This process involves the reconsideration of assessment processes, body of evidence data, or eligibility for gifted and talented services.

Each district has their own policy regarding disagreements. Should a district require resolution at the SJBOCES level, the process is as follows:

• Before a formal appeal, an attempt should be made at the building level to resolve the disagreement. The student or family member shall request a conference with the building level Gifted and Talented Coordinator to review the student profile.  This conference should occur as soon as possible upon disagreement.

• If the building-level conference does not provide resolution, a written appeal is submitted to the principal. The  appeal must include a statement of the complaint, evidence in its support, the desired solution, the student or family member's signature and the date of submission.  The principal must schedule and hold a meeting with the submitting party upon receipt of the appeal. 

• If the outcome of the conference with the building level administrator is not to the student or parent's satisfaction, then the submitting party shall request a conference with the Gifted Education Director at the San Juan Board of Cooperative Educational Services. The Director will schedule and hold a conference with the disagreeing party within two weeks of receiving a request.  A final decision will be made within thirty days of the conclusion of the conference.  This decision will be in writing and is final.

NOTE: To increase communication, districts are encouraged to include a dispute resolution process on their district website and in their gifted program handbook or manual.