Date of Award
Fall 2025
Document Type
Open Access Dissertation
Department
Educational Studies
First Advisor
Kathleen Marshall
Abstract
Special education administrators have a complex and comprehensive role that requires them to be knowledgeable about special education law and the development of special education programming within their districts. The complexity of the role includes the managing of federal and state funds, allocating resources for the delivery of special education services, designing professional learning opportunities to support services providers with developing appropriate individualized education plans, and monitoring the effectiveness of special education programs. The outcome of these responsibilities is to ensure students with disabilities receive services in the least restrictive environment and to provide local education agency representatives with the tools they need to make individualized decisions for students. This study used a survey to conduct quantitative research designed to identify factors affecting special education administrations response to due process complaints and litigation specific to the least restrictive environment. The findings of the study revealed that special education administrators have a high level of knowledge about LRE due process complaints and litigation and many use approaches aligned with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and case law. However, additional research is needed to understand how experience with due process complaints and litigation specific to LRE help shape the policies, procedures, and professional development special education administration provide to their school district.
Rights
© 2025, Melissa Jane Chiplis
Recommended Citation
Chiplis, M. J.(2025). Examining Special Education Administrators' Response to Due Process Complaints and Litigation Specific to Least Restrictive Environent. (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/etd/8600