CADRE (https://cadreworks.org) has released national IDEA dispute resolution (DR) data that offers a stark picture of both rising demand and mounting strain on state systems. While families are exercising their rights under IDEA at unprecedented levels, the numbers show states are struggling to keep pace. These are excellent summaries and readers of this Blog are highly recommended to review the documents. CADRE should be applauded for keeping us informed. 

1. https://cadreworks.org/files/2025-national-idea-dispute-resolution-data-summary-finaldocx
2. https://cadreworks.org/files/2025-trends-dr-data-2023-24

Written State Complaints on the Rise

Written State Complaints (WSCs) have surged to record highs. In SY 2023-24, nearly 9,927 WSCs were filed, a 79% increase over the prior 10-year average. For the third straight year, complaint filings have outpaced historical trends, and states are reporting even higher filings already in the current school year.

The pressure is showing in the data:

• Pending complaints doubled from 3% in SY 2022 to 6% in SY 2023.
• The percentage of complaints resolved within the 60-day timeline dropped 11% below the prior 10-year average.

This decline signals states are simply overwhelmed and struggling to resolve complaints within federally mandated timelines.

Due Process: Dominated by One State, But National Stress Persists

Due Process Complaints (DPCs) also remain at historically high levels, with 39,151 filed nationally. However, it is important to note New York alone accounted for 68.2% of these filings. Even excluding New York, the rest of the country saw filings increase for the third straight year, with a 5.4% rise in SY 2023.

Key trends:

• 72% of DPCs were withdrawn, dismissed, or resolved without a hearing.
• Fully adjudicated hearings rose to 7.9% nationally (sans New York), the highest since 2019.
• Timely decisions dropped, with only 91% issued within required timelines, down from 98% in SY 2022.

Mediation: Untapped Potential

Mediation saw 12,914 requests in SY 2023, the highest on record. Yet despite growing demand, mediation’s share of overall DR activity fell to just 21%, an all-time low compared to 30% in earlier years.

The missed opportunity is striking because the data consistently shows:

• Mediation agreement rates are higher than settlement agreements in due process.
• 70% of mediations not tied to due process end in agreement.
• Mediation requires far fewer state resources, is faster, and fosters stronger family-school relationships than more adversarial paths.

What This Means

The picture is clear: demand for dispute resolution is growing, but state systems are straining under the weight of that demand. Written State Complaints are being filed in record numbers, due process complaints remain high, and timelines are slipping. At the same time, mediation continues to deliver strong results but remains underutilized.

If states want to meet the dual challenges of compliance and relationship-building, investing in mediation and other collaborative approaches is not just advisable—it’s essential. Doing so can reduce caseload pressure, resolve conflicts more quickly, and, most importantly, build the trust that keeps families and schools working together for students.