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Massachusetts IEP and 504 Dispute Resolution: What Parents Need to Know

  • Writer: Kathy Cousineau
    Kathy Cousineau
  • May 30
  • 3 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

A confident female mediator sits at the head of a meeting table, calmly guiding a discussion between three professionals in a bright, modern room.

When parents and schools don’t agree on an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan, it’s easy to feel unsure of what to do next. Fortunately, Massachusetts provides a clear process to support families and ensure that students receive the services they need. This process is known as the Massachusetts IEP and 504 dispute resolution system.

This guide will walk you through each step, explain the options outlined in the 2025 letter from the Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA), and help you choose the right path for your family.


What Is the Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA)?


The BSEA is a neutral state agency under the Division of Administrative Law Appeals (DALA). Its role is to help resolve disagreements between families and school districts related to special education services, including IEPs and 504 Plans.



Why Did I Get a Letter from the BSEA?


If you have recently rejected part or all of your child’s IEP or 504 Plan, or

haven’t responded at all, your school district is required to notify the BSEA. The BSEA then sends you an informational letter about how to resolve these disagreements.


This letter is not a legal warning. It’s meant to support you and explain your options, which include:


  • Working directly with your school team

  • Requesting free mediation

  • Filing a due process hearing


A magnifying glass and stack of yellow note cards on a desk, with the top card boldly displaying the words 'Explore Your Options' next to pencils and folders, symbolizing decision-making or guidance.

Massachusetts IEP and 504 Dispute Resolution Options


1. Continue Working with Your School Team


This is often the best place to start. You can ask to reconvene the IEP or 504 team to talk through your concerns and adjust the plan.


✅ Pros:

  • Builds trust and open communication

  • Often the fastest way to resolve issues

  • No paperwork or legal steps require


⚠️ Cons:

  • May not work if prior meetings weren’t productive

  • Can be frustrating if issues have already been raised multiple times


📝 Tip: Write down your specific concerns and bring documentation to the meeting.


2. Request Mediation Through the BSEA

A diverse team of educators and parents engaged in a mediation meeting to resolve IEP or 504 plan disagreements in a collaborative, professional setting.

Mediation is a free, voluntary, and confidential service offered by the BSEA. A neutral mediator helps both sides understand each other and work toward a solution.


✅ Pros:

  • Less formal and faster than a hearing

  • Encourages a solution that works for both parties

  • Supports collaborative relationships


⚠️ Cons:

  • Requires both sides to be willing to compromise

  • May not resolve serious legal disagreements


3. File a Request for Hearing


A hearing officer signs documents at a wooden desk during a special education due process hearing, with a gavel in the foreground representing the formal resolution process.

If other options don’t resolve the disagreement, you have the right to file a due process hearing with the BSEA. This is a formal legal proceeding, similar to a court hearing. You will present evidence, call witnesses if needed, and a BSEA hearing officer will issue a binding decision.


✅ Pros:

  • Legally binding resolution

  • Protects your rights under federal and state law

  • Useful for long-standing or complex disputes


⚠️ Cons:

  • Time-consuming and formal

  • Can feel adversarial

  • May require legal help or an advocate


Choosing the Right Path


A 3D figure stands at a three-way fork in the road, facing a large red question mark, symbolizing decision-making and choosing between multiple options or paths.

Every situation is unique, and the best option depends on:

  • How severe the disagreement is

  • How much progress you’ve made through team discussions

  • Your comfort level with formal vs. informal processes


Most families find success starting with a meeting or mediation. But all three options are available and free to you as a Massachusetts parent.


Final Thoughts


The Massachusetts IEP and 504 dispute resolution process is designed to support, not intimidate, families. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Whether you choose a team meeting, mediation, or a hearing, know that the goal is always to find the best support for your child.


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