Request for Proposals

CADRE, the National Center on Dispute Resolution, is seeking proposals to present at Building Bridges: Connecting People, Creating Opportunities, CADRE’s 11th National Symposium on IDEA Dispute Resolution. Keeping the theme in mind, CADRE is seeking proposals with a focus on effective and early dispute resolution strategies and practices that strengthen relationships and build capacity at all levels. Symposium participants include OSEP staff, state dispute resolution coordinators, directors of special education, dispute resolution practitioners, parents, parent leaders, local special education administrators, attorneys, educators, service providers, and researchers. Proposals must be received by January 31, 2027 to be considered.

Objectives for this Symposium

Symposium participants will have the opportunity to:

• Examine collaborative dispute prevention and conflict management strategies within the expanding continuum of dispute resolution practices in special education and early intervention.
• Learn about innovations, initiatives, and current research in the field of dispute resolution.
• Receive information, resources, and guidance related to the design, implementation, and improvement of dispute resolution processes and systems.
• Enhance communities of practice, and connect dispute resolution coordinators, practitioners, educators, and parent leaders with each other and nationally renowned experts in the field.
• Acquire advanced conflict management skills and knowledge critical to the effective resolution of disputes.

In order to provide a varied learning experience to our participants, CADRE is seeking proposals from individuals or panels in the following formats:

• Three-hour skill-building workshop: comprising the professional development institute on day one of the symposium, participants will practice and engage with new skills (includes a planned 20-minute snack break)

• 90-minute interactive presentation: presenters provide unique perspectives on their subject matter expertise

Proposals should relate to the Objectives and Theme of the Symposium. Proposals that specifically focus on increasing capacity to support local implementation of effective and early resolution practices will receive favorable consideration.

The following criteria will be considered during the proposal review process:

1. The extent to which presentation objectives and takeaways are clearly specified.
2. The level of knowledge and experience of the presenter(s).
3. The extent to which program evaluation data or research is present.
4. The relevance to special education and early intervention dispute resolution.
5. The extent to which innovative effective and early dispute resolution practices and methods are shared and demonstrated.

CADRE places great value on having Symposium presenters participate in the entire event, and will provide a complimentary registration for up to 2 presenters to encourage this. All other expenses associated with Symposium participation, including travel, will be the presenter’s responsibility.

Submit your session proposal here

Join Us in Eugene, Oregon at the newly renovated Valley River Inn

We are excited to host this event at the Valley River Inn, situated on the scenic Willamette River. We have reserved a room block at rate of $149 +tax. Learn More!