12 Tips to Prepare for Your Child's ARD Meeting

ARD meetings can feel overwhelming. You’re sitting at a table with educators, administrators, and specialists, all discussing your child’s educational needs. As a parent, you are a vital member of this Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee. Remember, you know your child best, and your input is crucial to developing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that will help them thrive. This guide provides 12 practical tips to help you prepare for your child’s ARD meeting and ensure your voice is heard.

1. Understand Your Rights Under Texas Law

Before even thinking about the specifics of the upcoming ARD meeting, it's essential to understand your rights as a parent of a child with disabilities in Texas. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that guarantees these rights, and Texas implements IDEA through the Texas Education Code, specifically Chapter 29, and rules established by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Familiarize yourself with these laws. You have the right to:

• Participate fully in all ARD committee meetings.
• Receive prior written notice of ARD meetings.
• Review all records related to your child's education.
• Obtain an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) if you disagree with the school's evaluation (under certain circumstances).
• Request mediation or a due process hearing if you disagree with the IEP.

Knowing your rights will empower you to advocate effectively for your child. Don't hesitate to ask the school district for clarification on any aspect of these rights. TEA also provides resources and guidance on their website.

2. Review Your Child's Current IEP and Evaluations

One of the most important steps you can take is to thoroughly review your child's current IEP (if they have one) and any recent evaluations. Pay close attention to:

• Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP): Does the description accurately reflect your child's strengths and areas where they need support?
• Goals and Objectives: Are the goals specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART)? Are they challenging enough, but still attainable?
• Accommodations and Modifications: Are the accommodations and modifications appropriate and effective? Are there any that should be added or removed?
• Services: Are the services (e.g., speech therapy, occupational therapy, counseling) adequate to meet your child's needs? Are they being delivered as outlined in the IEP?

Also, review any recent evaluations, such as psychological evaluations, speech and language evaluations, or occupational therapy evaluations. These evaluations provide valuable information about your child's strengths and weaknesses, which can inform the IEP goals and services. Note any discrepancies between the evaluations and your own observations of your child.

3. Prepare a List of Your Child's Strengths, Needs, and Concerns

As a parent, you have unique insights into your child's strengths, needs, and concerns. Before the ARD meeting, take the time to write down your observations. Consider the following:

• Strengths: What are your child's talents and abilities? What are they good at? Highlighting your child's strengths can help the ARD committee identify ways to build on those strengths and use them to address areas of need.
• Needs: What areas does your child struggle with? What challenges do they face in the classroom or at home? Be specific and provide examples.
• Concerns: What are your biggest worries about your child's education and development? What are your hopes and dreams for their future?

Bringing this list to the ARD meeting will help you stay focused and ensure that your voice is heard.

4. Consider Your Child's Perspective

Whenever possible, involve your child in the ARD process. Depending on their age and abilities, they may be able to attend the ARD meeting and share their own perspectives. Even if they don't attend, you can talk to them beforehand about their goals, challenges, and what they would like to see in their IEP. Their input is invaluable and can help the ARD committee develop an IEP that is truly tailored to their needs.

5. Draft Proposed IEP Goals and Objectives

Don't wait for the ARD committee to come up with all the goals and objectives. Based on your review of the current IEP, evaluations, and your own observations, draft your own proposed goals and objectives. This will show the ARD committee that you are actively engaged in the process and have a clear vision for your child's education. Make sure your proposed goals are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound).

6. Gather Supporting Documentation

Collect any documentation that supports your concerns or requests. This could include:

• Report cards
• Work samples
• Medical records
• Therapy reports
• Emails or letters from teachers or other professionals

Having this documentation readily available will strengthen your arguments and help the ARD committee understand your perspective.

7. Request an Agenda in Advance

Ask the school district for an agenda before the ARD meeting. This will help you understand what topics will be discussed and prepare accordingly. If there are any topics you want to add to the agenda, let the school district know in advance.

8. Bring a Friend or Advocate

You have the right to bring a friend, family member, or advocate to the ARD meeting. This person can provide emotional support, take notes, and help you advocate for your child. Choose someone who is familiar with your child's needs and the special education process.

9. Be Prepared to Collaborate and Compromise

The ARD meeting is a collaborative process. Be prepared to listen to the perspectives of other members of the ARD committee and to compromise when necessary. However, never compromise on your child's essential needs. If you disagree with a decision, don't be afraid to express your concerns and request further discussion.

10. Ask Questions and Seek Clarification

Don't hesitate to ask questions if you don't understand something. The ARD process can be complex, and it's important to ensure that you fully understand all the information being presented. If you need clarification on a particular point, ask the ARD committee to explain it in simpler terms.

11. Take Detailed Notes

Take detailed notes during the ARD meeting. This will help you remember what was discussed and agreed upon. You can also use your notes to refer back to if you have any questions or concerns later on.

12. Review the IEP Carefully Before Signing

Before signing the IEP, review it carefully to ensure that it accurately reflects the decisions made during the ARD meeting. If you disagree with any aspect of the IEP, don't sign it. You have the right to request changes or to reconvene the ARD committee to discuss your concerns further. Remember, you are not obligated to sign the IEP immediately. You can take it home to review it and seek advice from others before making a decision.

Action Steps: What to Do Next

Ready to take the next step in preparing for your child's ARD meeting? Here's a quick checklist:

1. Review your child's current IEP and evaluations.
2. Create a list of your child's strengths, needs, and concerns.
3. Draft proposed IEP goals and objectives.
4. Gather supporting documentation.
5. Request an agenda from the school district.
6. Consider bringing a friend or advocate.

By following these tips, you can feel more confident and prepared for your child's ARD meeting. Remember, you are your child's strongest advocate, and your voice matters.