ARD Meeting Guide: Arlington ISD

Arlington 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 Arlington ISD: Your Guide to Empowered Advocacy

Navigating the special education process can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) meetings. As a parent of a child with a disability in Arlington ISD, you are a crucial member of your child's ARD committee. This guide aims to empower you with the knowledge you need to actively participate in these meetings, understand your rights, and ensure your child receives the appropriate special education and related services.

What Is an ARD Meeting?

An ARD meeting is essentially a meeting of your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) team. The IEP is a legally binding document outlining your child's educational needs, goals, and the specific services and supports they will receive to access their education. Think of it as a roadmap to your child's success in school. The Texas Education Code (TEC) outlines the requirements for special education and ARD meetings. TEC §29.005 outlines the composition of the ARD committee. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), specifically 34 CFR §300.321, the ARD committee must include: * **The parent(s) of the child:** You are the most important member of the team! Your input, perspectives, and knowledge of your child are invaluable. * **At least one regular education teacher of the child (if the child is, or may be, participating in the regular education environment):** This teacher provides insights into how your child performs in the general education setting and how to best support their inclusion. * **At least one special education teacher of the child, or where appropriate, at least one special education provider of the child:** This educator has expertise in special education strategies, modifications, and accommodations. * **A representative of the local educational agency (LEA) who is qualified to provide, or supervise the provision of, specially designed instruction to meet the unique needs of children with disabilities; is knowledgeable about the general education curriculum; and is knowledgeable about the availability of resources of the LEA:** This person is often an administrator or special education coordinator and has the authority to commit resources on behalf of the district. * **An individual who can interpret the instructional implications of evaluation results:** This could be a diagnostician, educational psychologist, or other qualified professional who can explain how assessment data relates to your child's learning needs. * **The child (when appropriate):** Especially as your child gets older, their involvement in the ARD process is crucial. They can express their own needs, preferences, and goals. * **Other individuals who have knowledge or special expertise regarding the child, including related services personnel as appropriate (at the discretion of the parent or the agency):** This could include therapists (speech, occupational, physical), counselors, or other professionals who work with your child. You have the right to invite anyone you believe would be helpful to the ARD process. ARD meetings are held to: * **Determine eligibility for special education services:** Based on evaluations and assessments, the team decides if your child meets the criteria for a specific disability category under IDEA. * **Develop, review, and revise the IEP:** The IEP is a living document that should be reviewed and updated at least annually, or more frequently if needed. * **Determine the appropriate placement for your child:** Placement refers to the educational setting where your child will receive their special education and related services (e.g., general education classroom with accommodations, resource room, self-contained classroom).

The 5-Day Notice Rule: Your Right to Be Prepared

Texas law requires Arlington ISD to provide you with written notice of an ARD meeting at least five school days before the meeting date. This 5-day notice is crucial because it gives you time to prepare, gather your thoughts, review relevant documents, and consult with any advocates or experts you wish to bring to the meeting. TEC §29.005(c) outlines this requirement. The notice should include the following information: * **The purpose of the meeting:** Be specific - is it an initial ARD to determine eligibility, an annual review, or a meeting to address a specific concern? * **The date, time, and location of the meeting:** Make sure the time and location are convenient for you. If you have a conflict, don't hesitate to request a reschedule. * **A list of individuals who will be attending:** This allows you to anticipate who will be present and consider if there are any additional individuals you'd like to invite. * **A statement informing you of your right to invite other individuals to the meeting who have knowledge or special expertise regarding your child:** This is your right! Don't hesitate to bring anyone who can contribute to the discussion and advocate for your child's needs. If you do not receive the 5-day notice, you have the right to request that the meeting be postponed. This is your time to prepare and ensuring you have it is critical.

What to Bring to an ARD Meeting: Be Prepared and Proactive

Coming prepared to an ARD meeting is essential for advocating effectively for your child. Here are some items you should consider bringing: * **Your child's evaluation reports:** Review these reports carefully before the meeting. Highlight any areas of concern or recommendations that you want to discuss. * **Your child's current IEP (if applicable):** Familiarize yourself with the goals, objectives, and services outlined in the IEP. Consider what is working well and what needs to be adjusted. * **Progress reports:** Review your child's progress on their IEP goals. Are they making adequate progress? If not, what adjustments need to be made? * **Work samples:** Bring examples of your child's schoolwork to illustrate their strengths and weaknesses. * **Medical records:** If your child has any medical conditions that impact their education, bring relevant medical records to share with the team. * **A list of your concerns and questions:** Write down any concerns you have about your child's education, as well as any questions you want to ask the ARD committee. * **Your own data or observations:** Document your observations of your child's learning at home or in other settings. This can provide valuable insights to the team. * **A trusted friend, advocate, or expert:** Having someone with you for support and to help you articulate your concerns can be incredibly helpful. * **A copy of Texas Education Code Chapter 29 and IDEA regulations:** While you don't need to be an expert, having these resources readily available can help you understand your rights and advocate for your child. * **A notebook and pen:** Take notes during the meeting so you can remember key points and decisions made. Remember, you are your child's biggest advocate. The more prepared you are, the more effectively you can participate in the ARD process.

The 10-Day Recess: Time to Reflect and Consider

Texas law provides parents with a crucial tool to ensure they have ample time to consider the IEP developed at the ARD meeting: the 10-day recess. TEC §29.005(d) states that if you disagree with the proposed IEP, you have the right to request that the ARD committee recess for a period not to exceed 10 school days. During this recess, the IEP is *not* implemented. This gives you time to: * **Review the proposed IEP carefully:** Take the time to thoroughly examine all aspects of the IEP, including the goals, objectives, services, and placement. * **Consult with experts:** Share the IEP with your advocate, therapists, or other professionals for their feedback and insights. * **Gather additional information:** If you feel you need more information before making a decision, use this time to gather it. * **Consider your options:** Weigh the pros and cons of the proposed IEP and determine what changes you would like to request. * **Prepare for the reconvened ARD meeting:** Organize your thoughts and prepare to articulate your concerns and proposed solutions to the ARD committee. The 10-day recess is a powerful tool that allows you to make informed decisions about your child's education. Don't hesitate to use it if you feel you need more time to consider the IEP. You must put the recess in writing at the end of the ARD meeting.

Disagreeing With the Team: Your Options and Rights

It is not uncommon for parents and school personnel to have differing opinions about what is best for a child with a disability. If you disagree with the ARD committee's decisions, it is important to know your rights and options. First, remember that you have the right to document your disagreement in the ARD paperwork. This is called a "parent's dissenting opinion" and it becomes a formal part of the child's educational record. Beyond this, you have several options if you disagree with the ARD committee: * **Request another ARD meeting:** You can request another meeting to discuss your concerns further and attempt to reach a consensus. * **Mediation:** Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral third party helps you and the school district reach a mutually agreeable solution. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) provides mediation services free of charge. * **Due Process Hearing:** A due process hearing is a more formal process where an impartial hearing officer hears evidence from both sides and makes a decision. You have the right to legal representation at a due process hearing. IDEA outlines the procedures for due process hearings. It is crucial to remember that "stay put" rights are triggered upon filing for due process. This means that the child remains in their current placement during the pendency of the due process proceedings.

Filing a State Complaint: Addressing Systemic Issues

In addition to the options listed above, you also have the right to file a state complaint with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) if you believe that Arlington ISD has violated state or federal special education laws. This is especially important if you believe there is a systemic issue impacting other children with disabilities in the district. A state complaint must: * Be in writing. * State the specific violations of law or regulations. * Provide factual information to support the complaint. * Be filed within one year of the alleged violation. TEA will investigate the complaint and issue a written decision. If TEA finds that the district has violated the law, they may order the district to take corrective action. Information about filing a complaint can be found on the TEA website. Advocating for your child's special education needs can be challenging, but you are not alone. By understanding your rights, preparing for ARD meetings, and knowing your options when disagreements arise, you can empower yourself to be an effective advocate for your child and ensure they receive the education they deserve.

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 11 (TEA ESC)

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

Fort Worth ISD Mansfield ISD Keller ISD Northwest ISD Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD

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