Individualized education program (IEP) facilitation is a method of alternative dispute resolution that involves the use of a trained facilitator to assist an admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee in developing an IEP for a student with a disability. The facilitator uses facilitation techniques to help the committee members communicate and collaborate effectively. A student’s school or the state may provide a facilitator for an ARD committee meeting. While schools are not required to offer IEP facilitation as an alternative dispute resolution method, TEA encourages the use of IEP facilitation.   

At Region 4 ESC, we offer a wealth of resources and training opportunities to build capacity around building consensus, having productive difficult conversations, accountability, and other leadership skills for school leaders.