ARD Meeting Guide: Aldine ISD

Aldine ISD Resources: District Home • ARD Guide • Evaluations (FIE) • Dyslexia/504 • Dispute Resolution

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.

⚡ Quick Answer

What is an ARD meeting in Texas?
An ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) meeting is the IEP meeting required by Texas law where the school and parents together review a child's special education eligibility and services. Parents must receive written notice at least 5 calendar days before the meeting and may request a 10-day recess at any time to seek advice.

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ARD Meetings in Aldine ISD: A Parent Advocate's Guide

This guide is designed to empower you, the parent, to be an active and informed participant in your child's Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meetings within Aldine ISD. Your voice matters, and understanding the process and your rights under both the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Texas Education Code (TEC) is crucial for ensuring your child receives the appropriate special education services and support.

What Is an ARD Meeting?

An ARD meeting is the cornerstone of special education services in Texas. It's a gathering of key stakeholders focused on developing, reviewing, and revising your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP is a legally binding document that outlines your child's specific educational needs, goals, and the services that Aldine ISD will provide to help them achieve those goals. Think of it as a roadmap for your child's success in the special education setting. The ARD committee is composed of various individuals who bring different perspectives and expertise to the table. The mandatory members, as defined by IDEA and TEC, include: * **The Parent(s):** You are the most important member of the ARD committee. You know your child best, and your insights into their strengths, needs, and learning styles are invaluable. * **A Special Education Teacher:** This teacher has specific knowledge of special education methodology and curriculum. They can speak to the strategies and accommodations that are typically effective for students with similar needs to your child. * **A General Education Teacher:** If your child is participating in general education classes, a general education teacher who is familiar with the curriculum and classroom environment is required. * **A Representative of the Local Education Agency (LEA):** This is usually a school administrator or special education director who is qualified to provide or supervise the provision of special education. They are also responsible for ensuring that the IEP is implemented correctly and that resources are available. In Aldine ISD, this is usually a special education administrator or designee. * **An Individual Who Can Interpret Evaluation Results:** This person has the expertise to explain the results of any evaluations your child has undergone and how those results impact their educational needs. This could be a diagnostician, educational psychologist, or other qualified professional. * **The Student (When Appropriate):** When appropriate, and especially as your child gets older, they should be involved in the ARD meeting. Their perspective on their own learning is critical. The ARD committee may also include other individuals, such as related service providers (e.g., speech therapists, occupational therapists, counselors), advocates, or other professionals who can contribute to the development of the IEP. You have the right to invite anyone you believe would be beneficial to the meeting. The purpose of the ARD meeting is multi-faceted. It is used to: * **Determine Eligibility for Special Education Services:** Based on evaluations and other relevant information, the ARD committee decides whether your child meets the eligibility criteria for special education services under IDEA and TEC. * **Develop the IEP:** This involves identifying your child's present levels of academic achievement and functional performance, setting measurable annual goals, determining the appropriate special education and related services, and establishing the least restrictive environment (LRE) for your child. * **Review and Revise the IEP:** At least annually, the ARD committee must review the IEP to assess your child's progress and make any necessary revisions. You can request an ARD meeting at any time if you believe that your child's needs are not being met or if there has been a significant change in their circumstances. * **Determine Placement:** The ARD committee determines the appropriate educational placement for your child based on their individual needs and the principle of LRE. This means that your child should be educated with their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate. Placement options can range from general education classes with supports to more specialized settings like resource rooms or self-contained classrooms.

5-Day Notice Rule

Under both IDEA and TEC, Aldine ISD is required to provide you with written notice of an ARD meeting at least five school days before the meeting date. This notice must include the purpose of the meeting, the date, time, and location of the meeting, and a list of the individuals who are expected to attend. This notification must occur even for annual ARD meetings. It is absolutely crucial that you receive this notice and carefully review it. If you do not receive the notice within the required timeframe, you have the right to request that the meeting be rescheduled. This 5-day window is designed to give you ample time to prepare for the meeting, gather relevant information, and consider what you want to discuss with the ARD committee. Don't hesitate to use that time effectively. If the proposed time doesn't work for you, communicate immediately with the school to find a more suitable time.

What to Bring

Preparation is key to a successful ARD meeting. Before the meeting, take some time to gather any relevant information that you want to share with the ARD committee. Here are some suggestions: * **Your Child's Strengths and Needs:** Make a list of your child's strengths, interests, and talents, as well as their areas of difficulty. Be specific and provide examples. * **Observations and Concerns:** Document any observations you have made about your child's learning, behavior, or social-emotional development. Note any concerns you have about their progress. * **Medical Information:** Bring any relevant medical information, such as doctor's reports, medication lists, or information about any medical conditions that may affect your child's learning. * **Previous Evaluations and Assessments:** Gather copies of any previous evaluations or assessments that have been conducted, whether by Aldine ISD or outside professionals. * **Work Samples:** Collect samples of your child's schoolwork that illustrate their strengths and weaknesses. * **Goals and Expectations:** Write down your goals and expectations for your child's education. What do you want them to achieve academically, socially, and emotionally? * **Questions and Concerns:** Prepare a list of questions and concerns that you want to address during the ARD meeting. * **Advocate or Support Person:** Consider bringing a friend, family member, or advocate to the meeting to provide support and help you remember important details. Bringing all of this information to the ARD meeting will help you to be a well-informed and effective advocate for your child. Remember, you are the expert on your child, and your input is essential to the development of an appropriate IEP.

The 10-Day Recess

The "10-day recess" is a vital provision in Texas special education law, offering you a crucial opportunity to carefully consider the IEP developed during the ARD meeting. After the ARD committee finalizes the IEP, you don't have to sign it immediately. You have the right to request a 10-school-day recess to review the IEP, consult with others, and make a fully informed decision about whether you agree with the plan. During this 10-day period, the IEP cannot be implemented without your written consent. This allows you to take your time, read the document thoroughly, and seek clarification on any points that you don't understand. Use this time wisely. Don't hesitate to contact the school or other professionals to discuss any concerns you have. You can also use this time to research best practices for your child's specific needs. If, after the 10 days, you still have concerns, you can request another ARD meeting to address those issues. The 10-day recess is there to protect your rights and ensure that you are comfortable with the IEP before it is implemented.

Disagreeing With the Team

It is not uncommon for parents to disagree with the ARD committee on certain aspects of the IEP. Remember, you are an equal member of the team, and your opinion is valued. If you disagree with the committee's recommendations, don't be afraid to voice your concerns. Here are some steps you can take if you disagree with the ARD committee: * **Clearly State Your Concerns:** Explain why you disagree with the committee's recommendations and provide specific examples to support your position. * **Propose Alternatives:** Offer alternative solutions that you believe would be more appropriate for your child. * **Request Additional Information:** If you feel that you need more information to make an informed decision, request that the committee gather additional data or conduct further evaluations. * **Document Your Disagreement:** Make sure that your disagreement is documented in the ARD minutes. * **Request Another Meeting:** If you are unable to resolve your disagreement during the initial ARD meeting, request another meeting to further discuss the issues. If you are still unable to reach an agreement after multiple ARD meetings, you have the right to pursue dispute resolution options, such as mediation or a formal complaint. Aldine ISD must provide you with information about these options. Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral third party helps you and the school reach a mutually agreeable solution.

Filing a State Complaint

If you believe that Aldine ISD has violated a requirement of IDEA or TEC, you have the right to file a formal complaint with the Texas Education Agency (TEA). A complaint must be in writing and must allege a violation that occurred no more than one year prior to the date the complaint is filed. The TEA will investigate your complaint and issue a written decision. If the TEA finds that Aldine ISD has violated IDEA or TEC, they will order the district to take corrective action to address the violation. Filing a state complaint can be a complex process, and it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities. The TEA provides guidance and resources on its website regarding the complaint process. You may also want to consult with an attorney or advocate to help you prepare and file your complaint. Remember, you are not alone in this process. Many resources are available to help you navigate the special education system in Aldine ISD and advocate for your child's needs. Organizations like Disability Rights Texas and the Texas Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) can provide valuable information, support, and advocacy assistance. Your active participation and informed advocacy are critical to ensuring that your child receives the appropriate special education services and support to reach their full potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers every parent in Texas needs to know.

How much notice must a Texas school give before an ARD meeting? +

Texas law requires the district to provide written notice at least 5 calendar days before an ARD meeting. Parents can waive this notice in writing if they choose to meet sooner.

Can I bring someone to my child's ARD meeting? +

Yes. Under IDEA and Texas law, parents have the right to bring any individual with knowledge or special expertise regarding their child, including an advocate, educational consultant, or attorney.

What is a 10-day recess in an ARD meeting? +

A parent or the district may request a 10-day recess (pause) during an ARD meeting to gather more information, seek independent advice, or consult an advocate before final decisions are made.

What happens if I disagree with the ARD team's decision? +

You may refuse to sign the IEP, request a 10-day recess, file a State Complaint with the TEA, request Mediation, or request a Special Education Due Process Hearing. You do not lose your right to services during this process.

📍 Other Districts in Region 4 (TEA ESC)

Parents across the region share the same TEA oversight and ESC support. These districts follow the same timelines:

Houston ISD Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Katy ISD Fort Bend ISD Conroe ISD

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