ARD Meeting Guide: Austin ISD

Austin 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 Austin ISD: A Parent Advocate's Guide

This guide is designed to empower you, the parent, to effectively participate in and navigate the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) process within Austin Independent School District (AISD). Understanding your rights and responsibilities is crucial to ensuring your child receives the Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) they are entitled to under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Texas state law. This guide will cover key aspects of the ARD process, including the purpose of the meeting, required notices, preparation tips, procedures for addressing disagreements, and available avenues for recourse.

What Is an ARD Meeting?

The ARD committee, as defined under IDEA and Texas Education Code (TEC), is the cornerstone of special education. It's a team responsible for determining your child's eligibility for special education services, developing their Individualized Education Program (IEP), and making placement decisions. The ARD committee must include specific members. * **Parent(s):** You, as the parent, are a critical member of the ARD committee. Your input, insights into your child's strengths and weaknesses, and your vision for their future are essential to the process. You are not just an observer; you are a vital participant. * **Special Education Teacher:** A qualified special education teacher who is knowledgeable about your child's specific disability and has experience in providing special education services. * **General Education Teacher:** If your child is, or may be, participating in the general education environment, at least one of your child's general education teachers must be part of the committee. * **AISD Representative (Administrator):** A representative of the school district 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 public agency. * **Evaluation Personnel:** Someone who can interpret the instructional implications of evaluation results. This could be a diagnostician, educational psychologist, or other qualified professional. * **The Child (When Appropriate):** If your child is able to meaningfully participate, and especially as they get older, they should be included in the ARD meeting to share their thoughts and preferences. * **Other Individuals:** You or the school can invite other individuals who have knowledge or special expertise regarding your child. This might include therapists (speech, occupational, physical), counselors, private tutors, or other professionals who work with your child. The purpose of the ARD meeting is multifaceted. Primarily, it aims to develop an IEP that is tailored to your child's unique needs. The IEP outlines specific goals, objectives, accommodations, modifications, and related services necessary to enable your child to make progress in the general education curriculum. The committee also decides the most appropriate educational placement for your child, ensuring they are educated in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) possible. The LRE means, to the maximum extent appropriate, that children with disabilities are educated with children who are not disabled. TEC §29.005 outlines the process for developing and implementing IEPs in Texas, aligning with the federal requirements of IDEA. It's important to review these legal guidelines to understand the foundation of your child's special education rights.

5-Day Notice Rule

Under both IDEA and Texas law, you are entitled to receive written notice of an ARD meeting at least five school days before the scheduled meeting date. This notice must include: * **The Purpose of the Meeting:** A clear explanation of what will be discussed at the meeting (e.g., annual review, initial evaluation, change of placement). * **The Date, Time, and Location of the Meeting:** This allows you to make necessary arrangements to attend. * **A List of Participants:** Knowing who will be at the meeting allows you to prepare accordingly and potentially invite other relevant individuals. * **Parent Rights:** The notice must include a clear explanation of your rights as a parent in the special education process. The 5-day notice rule is critical because it gives you time to prepare, gather information, and consult with advocates or other professionals. If you do not receive adequate notice, you have the right to request a postponement. AISD must make reasonable efforts to ensure your attendance at the ARD meeting, including scheduling the meeting at a mutually agreeable time and place. Document all communication regarding scheduling to demonstrate your attempts to participate. If AISD violates the 5-day rule and you do not receive notice, and that violation negatively impacts your child's IEP, it could be considered a procedural violation.

What to Bring

Preparation is key to a successful ARD meeting. Here's a checklist of items to consider bringing: * **Your Child's Records:** Bring copies of your child's IEP, evaluation reports, progress reports, medical records, and any other relevant documentation. Having these readily available will help you participate in discussions and provide context. * **A List of Questions and Concerns:** Write down any questions you have about your child's education, progress, or the IEP. This will ensure that you address all your concerns during the meeting. * **Goals and Objectives:** Prepare a list of your own goals and objectives for your child's education. Consider what you want your child to achieve academically, socially, and emotionally. * **Advocate or Support Person:** You have the right to bring an advocate, friend, or family member to the ARD meeting to provide support and assistance. A fresh pair of eyes and ears can be invaluable. * **Documentation of Communication:** Bring records of emails, phone calls, or other communications you've had with school staff regarding your child's education. * **Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) (If Applicable):** If you've obtained an IEE, bring a copy to share with the committee. Under IDEA, you have the right to request an IEE at public expense if you disagree with the school's evaluation. * **Draft IEP Revisions:** Consider drafting potential revisions to your child's IEP beforehand. This shows that you are prepared to participate and have given careful thought to your child's needs. Review your child's current IEP carefully, noting areas where you believe changes are needed. Reflect on your child's progress, or lack thereof, and be prepared to articulate specific examples to support your concerns.

The 10-Day Recess

Texas Education Code §29.005(e) provides for a "recess" of the ARD committee meeting, upon the request of a parent. This recess must be for no more than 10 calendar days. The purpose of the recess is to allow you to obtain additional information or consider the proposed IEP before making a final decision. You do not need to provide a reason for requesting a recess. This is your right. During the recess, utilize the time to: * **Review the Proposed IEP:** Carefully examine the goals, objectives, accommodations, and services outlined in the IEP. * **Consult with Professionals:** Share the IEP with therapists, doctors, or other professionals who work with your child for their input. * **Conduct Research:** Research strategies, interventions, or programs that might benefit your child. * **Seek Legal Advice:** If you have significant concerns about the IEP or the ARD process, consult with an attorney specializing in special education law. Remember, the 10-day recess is a valuable tool to ensure you have ample time to make informed decisions about your child's education. If you feel pressured to make a decision on the spot, don't hesitate to request a recess.

Disagreeing With the Team

Disagreements during ARD meetings are not uncommon. If you disagree with the ARD committee's decisions, it's important to understand your options. * **Express Your Concerns:** Clearly and respectfully articulate your concerns and explain why you disagree with the proposed IEP or placement. Provide specific examples and data to support your position. * **Request Documentation:** Ask for written documentation of the reasons behind the committee's decisions. This will help you understand the rationale and identify areas where further discussion is needed. * **Mediation:** Mediation is a voluntary process that involves a neutral third party who helps facilitate communication and resolve disputes between you and the school district. AISD offers mediation services to parents of students with disabilities. * **Due Process Complaint:** If mediation is unsuccessful or not appropriate, you have the right to file a due process complaint with the Texas Education Agency (TEA). A due process hearing is a formal legal proceeding where you can present evidence and arguments to an impartial hearing officer who will make a decision on the dispute. The hearing officer's decision is binding. * **State Complaint:** You can also file a state complaint with the TEA if you believe AISD has violated IDEA or state special education laws. The TEA will investigate the complaint and issue a written decision. This is separate from a due process hearing and addresses broader systemic issues. Document all disagreements, requests, and actions taken during the ARD process. Maintain a record of all communication with school staff, including dates, times, and summaries of conversations. This documentation will be essential if you need to pursue further action.

Filing a State Complaint

Filing a state complaint with the TEA is an important recourse if you believe AISD is violating special education laws or regulations. A state complaint is less formal than a due process hearing and focuses on systemic issues rather than individual disagreements about IEP content. The complaint must: * **Be in Writing:** Submit your complaint in writing to the TEA. * **State the Violation:** Clearly state the specific violation of IDEA or Texas special education law that you believe has occurred. * **Include Facts:** Provide specific facts and details to support your claim, including dates, names, and relevant events. * **Be Timely:** Generally, the complaint must be filed within one year of the alleged violation. The TEA will investigate your complaint and issue a written decision within 60 days, unless exceptional circumstances exist. If the TEA finds that AISD has violated the law, it will order corrective action to remedy the violation. Remember, you are your child's strongest advocate. By understanding your rights, preparing effectively for ARD meetings, and being persistent in pursuing your child's best interests, you can ensure they receive the appropriate special education services they deserve. Don't hesitate to seek assistance from advocates, attorneys, or parent support groups to navigate the ARD process effectively. You are not alone.

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 13 (TEA ESC)

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

Round Rock ISD Leander ISD Georgetown ISD Del Valle ISD Hays CISD

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