Special education compliance complaint
The special education compliance complaint process is used to track trends and facilitate problem-solving around special education issues.
Who can file?
For student-specific issues: Only staff members who teach or provide services to the student(s) or affected classes can file special education complaints. These individuals have direct, personal knowledge of the relevant facts.
Non-Student-Specific Issues: If the special education committee did not successfully address a non-student-specific issue, the chapter leader or a member of the committee can file a special education complaint.
Important Note: Do not include student-specific information on the form when filing a complaint.
Examples of student-specific and non-student-specific compliance issues can be found on our special education compliance page.
Handling special education compliance complaints
When you submit a compliance complaint, it will be reviewed by one of our UFT Liaisons to the Division of Specialized Instruction and Student Support:
- Bronx and Queens: Elizabeth McGovern
- Manhattan and Staten Island: Raphael Tomkin
- Brooklyn and District 75: Steven Mintzer
What to expect after submitting a complaint
- Response time: Within 48 hours, you'll receive a call or email to acknowledge receipt, verify information, and gather additional details. Please note that student-specific information should not be included on the complaint form. If needed, we will ask for it when we contact you.
- Resolution Process: We will work with you to determine the best approach for resolving the issue. This might include the immediate implementation of services and supports outlined in the students’ IEPs and restitution of services where appropriate.
- Escalation: If the issue is not resolved within the outlined timeframe and involves a violation of either federal or state laws and/or regulations, the complaint may be forwarded to the New York State Education Department for further action. Throughout this process, the confidentiality of personally identifiable student information will be protected.