ALSDE PROCESS HEARING OFFICER - SPECIAL ED

2026-11-03

Specific responsibilities of the qualified due process hearing officers include : • Stay informed of , and abide by all statutes , rules , and administrative orders relevant to special education and related services . • Provide services in compliance with but not limited to the IDEA , 20 U . S . C . § 1400 ( 2004 ); Code of Federal Regulations , 34 C . F . R . § 300 ; and the AAC , Chapter 290 - 8 - 9 . • Maintain good character and report in writing to the ALSDE a change in Bar licensing status or conviction of a felony or misdemeanor within 14 days . • Disclose any personal or professional interest that would conflict with objectivity . • Engage in educational activities that promote professional growth and attend mandatory training . • Demonstrate integrity , impartiality , and professional competence . • Conduct high quality and timely administrative hearings in accordance with the requirements in the IDEA law and regulations , AAC , Chapter 290 - 8 - 9 ( including , without limitation , timelines ) and appropriate , standard legal practice and provide decisions under applicable laws consistent with the requirements of due process . • Ensure a clear , accurate , and complete administrative record is made of the proceedings and includes a certification signed by Hearing Officer representing that the record is complete and accurate . • Manage the prehearing process . The prehearing activities must include the Hearing Officer ' s timely conduct , consistent with appropriate , standard legal practice , of a prehearing conference at the commencement of the 45 - day hearing timeline , or in expedited cases soon after appointment . The prehearing conference must include framing the issues raised in the hearing request and the relief being sought with clarity and specificity and timely determining jurisdiction over the issues and parties . • Preside and rule on pre - hearing , hearing , and post - hearing matters . • Conduct hearings in accordance with the requirements in the IDEA , AAC , Chapter 290 - 8 - 9 ( including , without limitation , timelines ) and appropriate , standard , legal practice , including taking testimony ; determining the relevancy of testimony as it is occurring ; and ruling on admissibility of evidence . • Maintain control of the hearing , which may include parties who are upset or are having difficulty understanding the proceeding . • Analyze legal problems , some of which may be difficult and complex ; and apply legal principles and precedents with a commitment to making an unbiased and legally correct decision . • Issue well - written decisions in accordance with appropriate , standard legal practice , containing necessary findings of fact and conclusions of law and disposing of all legal issues . Decisions / orders must be clear , comprehensive , concise , understandable , and founded upon demonstrable facts based in the record , and include the application of appropriate legal authority . • Demonstrate efficient case - management strategies , including monitoring the status of the case and issuing decisions and closing all cases within strict timelines required by the governing federal and state laws . • Develop and maintain current and accurate knowledge of administrative rules , policies and procedures , and other substantive law for caseloads .

Alabama

2026-03-27