What is a key role of the IHO in a special education dispute?

A key role of the Independent Hearing Officer (IHO) in a special education dispute is to provide impartial hearings. This function is critical because it ensures that both parties—usually parents and school districts—have an unbiased platform to present their cases regarding the provision of a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The IHO listens to the evidence, considers the arguments presented by both sides, and makes a ruling based strictly on the facts and the law, thereby upholding the rights of students with disabilities and ensuring due process.

This impartiality is essential to maintain fairness and integrity in the decision-making process. By offering a structure where disputes can be resolved through a fair hearing, the IHO helps to facilitate accountability for both parents and school districts, ensuring that students with disabilities receive the appropriate educational services to which they are entitled.