Appeals Rights

Can I appeal a decision by my school or district if I disagree?

Yes! Massachusetts law protects this right (603 CMR 28.08(3)) through the Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA). BSEA will conduct mediations, advisory opinions, and hearings to resolve disputes.

What types of issues will BSEA hear?

• evaluation

• Placement

• IEP

• provision of special education

• procedural protections

• denial of free and appropriate education

Additional resources available

• SpEd Search - current/past BSEA rulings

• Visual instructions on how to fill out the PRS form

• Additional guidance on filling out the PRS form, which includes:

  • 2-pager on overview

  • Step by step on how to fill out the online form

  • Bullying

  • Special Education: Coming soon

  • School Discipline - Expellable Offense: Coming Soon

  • School Discipline - Felony Complain: Coming Soon

  • School Discipline - Violation of codes of conduct

  • COVID-19 School Closures/Remote Learning