Abilene ISD Special Education Resources
Hi, I'm a Texas parent of a 2e child. When I watched the school system fail her, I realized how broken the process is. I built this resource to help parents like you get the support your child deserves. You are not alone.
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Get the complete Parent Protection Bundle: ARD Prep, Behavior Defense, Dyslexia, and Accommodations.
Get All 6 Kits for $97📋 ARD Meeting Guide
Step-by-step preparation for your next ARD meeting.
🔍 Request an Evaluation
How to secure a Full Individual Evaluation (FIE).
⚠️ Discipline & Grievance
Crisis support, discipline defense, and formal grievance resolution.
📖 Dyslexia Services
Abilene ISD screening and instructional rights.
📞 Contact Directory
Direct contacts for district special education leadership.
About Special Education in Abilene ISD
Abilene ISD serves the West Texas area and is committed to providing a quality education for all students, including those with disabilities. The district operates under the oversight of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) Region 14, ensuring compliance with state and federal special education laws and regulations. Abilene ISD offers a range of special education services designed to meet the unique needs of each student.
In Abilene ISD, the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) process follows a specific timeline to ensure timely evaluation and planning. The district has up to 45 school days from the date of parental consent to complete a Full Individual Evaluation (FIE). Parents will receive a written notice at least five school days prior to any ARD committee meeting, giving them ample time to prepare and participate.
Common Questions from Abilene ISD Families
My child's teacher thinks they might need special education. What's the first step?
The first step is typically a referral to the school's Response to Intervention (RTI) team. This team will work with your child's teacher to implement interventions and monitor your child's progress. If these interventions are not successful, the RTI team may recommend a full and individual evaluation to determine eligibility for special education services.
What kind of support can my child receive in Abilene ISD's special education program?
Abilene ISD offers a variety of supports, including specialized instruction, related services (like speech therapy or occupational therapy), and accommodations in the general education classroom. The specific supports your child receives will be determined by their ARD committee based on their individual needs and goals outlined in their IEP.
How often will my child's ARD committee meet?
Your child's ARD committee will meet at least annually to review their IEP and make any necessary revisions. You can also request an ARD meeting at any time if you have concerns or believe that your child's needs are not being adequately met. Open communication with your child's teacher and other members of the ARD committee is essential.
Tip for Parents in a Smaller District
Abilene ISD, with approximately 15,500 students, is a smaller district. In these districts, it's not uncommon for one special education director to handle a wide range of responsibilities. To ensure clear communication and maintain a record of interactions, it's often best to communicate with the special education department and your child's ARD team via email. This creates a "paper trail" that can be helpful if questions or concerns arise later.