Providing Keys in the Keystone State: Innovations in Engagement & Resolution in Pennsylvania

This session will include overviews of powerful, forward-looking dispute-resolution initiatives and partnerships unfolding in Pennsylvania, including a new Parent Engagement Project, collaboration with the community-based HUNE (Hispanos Unidos para Niños Excepcionales), hearing officer settlement conferences, and “virtual hearings”—the use of videoconference technology in conducting due process hearings. As a state with a high volume of complaints, Pennsylvania continually seeks ways to promote engagement and efficiency in dispute resolution. Each initiative/partnership has presented unique challenges and highly encouraging results, throughout the design, planning, and implementation processes.