ARD Meeting Guide: Denton ISD

Denton 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 Denton ISD: A Parent's Guide to Advocacy

Navigating the special education system can feel overwhelming, especially when you're faced with acronyms and legal jargon. As a parent of a child with special needs in Denton ISD, you are a critical member of the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee. This guide is designed to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to effectively participate in your child's ARD meetings. We'll break down the key components of the ARD process, your rights, and how to advocate for your child's needs.

What Is an ARD Meeting?

The ARD meeting is the cornerstone of special education services in Texas. It's a meeting of key stakeholders, including you (the parent), school administrators, teachers, special education personnel, and other relevant professionals. The purpose of the ARD meeting is to develop, review, and revise your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP is a legally binding document that outlines your child's unique educational needs, goals, and the specific services and supports they will receive to access a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), specifically 34 CFR §300.321, the ARD committee must include: * The parent(s) of the child. * At least one regular education teacher of the child (if the child is, or may be, participating in the regular education environment). * At least one special education teacher, or where appropriate, at least one special education provider of the child. * 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. In Denton ISD, this is usually an administrator or special education specialist. * An individual who can interpret the instructional implications of evaluation results. This could be a diagnostician, educational psychologist, or other qualified professional. * At the discretion of the parent or the agency, other individuals who have knowledge or special expertise regarding the child, including related services personnel as appropriate. * Whenever appropriate, the child with a disability. The ARD committee is responsible for making decisions about all aspects of your child's special education program, including: * Identifying your child's strengths and areas of need. * Developing measurable annual goals. * Determining the appropriate special education and related services, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, or assistive technology. * Determining the appropriate placement for your child, considering the least restrictive environment (LRE). This means your child should be educated with their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate. * Establishing accommodations and modifications to the general education curriculum. * Developing a behavior intervention plan (BIP), if necessary. The ARD process is guided by both IDEA and the Texas Education Code (TEC). Understanding your rights under these laws is crucial for effective advocacy.

5-Day Notice Rule

Texas Education Code §29.005 mandates a specific timeline for providing notice of ARD meetings. You must receive written notice of the ARD meeting at least five school days before the scheduled date. This notice must include: * The purpose of the meeting. * The date, time, and location of the meeting. * A list of the individuals who will be attending. * Your right to invite other individuals who have knowledge or special expertise regarding your child. This 5-day notice is not just a formality; it's your opportunity to prepare. Review your child's IEP, gather any relevant data or observations, and formulate your questions and concerns. If you don't receive the notice within the required timeframe, or if the notice lacks crucial information, you have the right to request a postponement of the meeting. Don't hesitate to assert your rights. This preparation time is vital for your active participation and advocacy. If you feel you need more than 5 days to prepare, communicate this to the school. They are usually willing to accommodate reasonable requests.

What to Bring to the ARD Meeting

Preparation is key to a successful ARD meeting. Consider bringing the following: * **Your child's current IEP:** Review it thoroughly before the meeting. Note any areas where you feel your child is not making adequate progress or where the services are not meeting their needs. * **Evaluations and reports:** Bring any independent evaluations, medical reports, or other documentation that supports your child's needs. Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) can be particularly valuable if you disagree with the school's assessments. * **Data and observations:** Keep records of your child's progress at home and in the community. This includes academic performance, behavior patterns, and any challenges they are facing. Document specific examples whenever possible. * **A list of your child's strengths:** While it's important to address your child's needs, highlighting their strengths can help the ARD committee develop a more holistic and effective IEP. * **A list of your concerns and priorities:** Prepare a list of your specific concerns and goals for your child. Prioritize them to ensure they are addressed during the meeting. * **Questions:** Write down any questions you have for the ARD committee members. * **Advocate/Support Person:** Bring a friend, family member, or educational advocate. They can provide emotional support, take notes, and help you articulate your concerns. Under IDEA and Texas law, you have the right to bring anyone you choose to the ARD meeting. Remember, you are the expert on your child. Your insights and perspectives are invaluable to the ARD committee.

The 10-Day Recess

If you disagree with the proposed IEP or any of the decisions made during the ARD meeting, Texas Education Code §29.005(e) provides you with a powerful tool: the 10-day recess. This means you have the right to request a ten-school-day recess to consider the IEP and consult with outside experts, such as doctors, therapists, or educational consultants. During this recess, the proposed IEP cannot be implemented without your consent. This gives you time to carefully review the document, seek additional information, and formulate a plan of action. You can use this time to: * Consult with experts: Share the IEP with your child's therapists, doctors, or an educational advocate for their input. * Gather additional information: Research different educational approaches or services that might benefit your child. * Reflect and reassess: Determine which aspects of the IEP you agree with and which aspects you still have concerns about. * Prepare for a follow-up meeting: Develop a list of specific changes you want to propose. The 10-day recess is a valuable safeguard that ensures you have ample time to make informed decisions about your child's education. Use it wisely. It's your right under Texas law, don't feel pressured to waive this option.

Disagreeing With the Team

Despite your best efforts, you may still find yourself disagreeing with the ARD committee. It's important to remember that you have the right to advocate for your child's needs, even if it means challenging the school's recommendations. If you disagree with the ARD committee's decisions, there are several steps you can take: * **Clearly articulate your concerns:** Explain your reasons for disagreeing and provide supporting evidence. Be specific and focus on the data. * **Propose alternative solutions:** Suggest specific changes to the IEP that you believe would better meet your child's needs. * **Request additional evaluations:** If you believe the school's evaluations are inaccurate or incomplete, you can request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense. If the school refuses to pay for the IEE, they must initiate a due process hearing to defend their evaluation. * **Document your concerns:** Keep a written record of your disagreements and the school's responses. This documentation will be valuable if you need to pursue further action. * **Request mediation:** Mediation is a process in which a neutral third party helps you and the school reach a mutually agreeable solution. It's a less formal and adversarial process than a due process hearing. * **Request a Due Process Hearing:** If mediation is unsuccessful, or if you believe it is not appropriate, you can request a due process hearing. This is a formal legal process in which an impartial hearing officer hears evidence and makes a decision about the dispute. You have the right to legal representation at a due process hearing. Due process hearings can be costly and time-consuming, so it's important to carefully consider whether this is the right course of action for your family. Remember, disagreeing with the ARD committee doesn't make you a difficult parent. It makes you an advocate for your child.

Filing a State Complaint

In addition to due process, you also have the option of filing a complaint with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) if you believe the school district has violated IDEA or state special education laws. TEA has a process for investigating complaints and determining whether the district is in compliance. To file a complaint with TEA, you must submit a written complaint that includes: * A description of the alleged violation. * The facts on which the complaint is based. * The name and address of the child. * A proposed resolution to the problem. TEA will investigate your complaint and issue a written decision within 60 days, although this timeline can be extended under certain circumstances. Filing a complaint with TEA can be a useful tool for addressing systemic issues within the school district. However, it's important to note that TEA's focus is on compliance with the law, not necessarily on resolving individual disputes. Navigating the special education system can be challenging, but you are not alone. Remember to stay informed, advocate for your child's needs, and don't be afraid to ask for help. As a parent, you are the most important member of the ARD committee. Your voice matters. Your persistence and active participation are key to ensuring your child receives the free and appropriate public education they deserve in Denton ISD.

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 10 (TEA ESC)

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

Dallas ISD Frisco ISD Garland ISD Lewisville ISD Plano ISD

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