What's Happening in Frisco ISD Special Education Right Now
Frisco ISD has been one of the fastest-growing districts in the state for over a decade, and while that growth has cooled slightly, it has left behind a special education infrastructure that is struggling to keep pace. With approximately 66,000+ students enrolled across 75+ campuses, FISD's special education population has swelled accordingly — yet staffing pipelines for Licensed Specialists in School Psychology (LSSPs), educational diagnosticians, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and occupational therapists have not scaled proportionally. The district has relied heavily on contracted service providers to fill gaps, particularly in speech and OT, which introduces inconsistencies in service delivery, provider turnover, and documentation breakdowns that directly affect your child's IEP implementation.
From a TEA monitoring perspective, Frisco ISD has navigated the Results Driven Accountability (RDA) framework without landing in the most severe intervention tiers in recent years, but that should not give you false comfort. TEA's monitoring is largely data-driven and reactive, meaning districts can maintain surface-level compliance while quietly under-identifying students, delaying evaluations, or offering watered-down services. FISD's special education identification rate has historically tracked near or just below the state average — a pattern worth scrutinizing given the district's affluent demographics, high academic expectations, and the number of families who report being steered toward Section 504 plans or RTI (Response to Intervention) loops instead of full special education evaluations.
Budget signals also matter. As Frisco ISD manages debt from its aggressive construction era and adjusts to slower residential growth, central office decisions about staffing ratios, paraprofessional support, and related service contracts are quietly shifting. If your child receives speech therapy, OT, or counseling through the district, pay close attention to whether providers change mid-year, whether session frequency is being reduced at annual ARDs without clear data justification, or whether group therapy is being substituted for individual services without your meaningful input.
Why Parents in Frisco Are Searching for Special Ed Help
You are likely reading this because something feels wrong — and you are right to trust that instinct. The most common triggers we hear from Frisco ISD families follow a pattern: your child was doing "fine" academically but falling apart behaviorally or emotionally, and the campus team told you they "don't qualify" for services. Or you requested an evaluation and were told to "wait and see" how RTI goes — sometimes for months. Or your child already has an IEP, but the goals haven't changed in two years, the progress reports are vague or copy-pasted, and no one at the ARD meeting can explain what measurable progress actually looks like. In a district this large, special education staff are stretched across enormous caseloads. Diagnosticians may carry 60–80+ cases. SLPs may serve multiple campuses. Your child's ARD committee may include people who have never worked with your child directly. These are structural realities, not excuses — and they explain why you feel like you are fighting for every inch.
Frisco's reputation as a high-performing district also creates a unique pressure dynamic. Campus administrators are acutely aware of their school's ratings, and there can be subtle — sometimes not so subtle — resistance to identifying students who might require significant support or placement in more restrictive settings. If you have been told your child is "too smart" for special education, that they "just need to try harder," or that an ADHD or autism diagnosis "doesn't automatically mean they qualify," you are not alone, and you need to understand that eligibility is determined by a full and individual evaluation — not by a hallway conversation.
IEP & ARD Timeline Red Flags to Watch in Frisco ISD
Under Texas law and the IDEA, once you submit a written request for a Full and Individual Evaluation (FIE), Frisco ISD has 15 school days to respond with either a consent form or a Prior Written Notice (PWN) explaining why they are refusing to evaluate. Once you sign consent, the district has 45 school days to complete the evaluation — not 45 calendar days. After that, the ARD committee must meet within 30 calendar days of the evaluation's completion to determine eligibility and, if appropriate, develop the IEP. These timelines are legally binding, not suggestions.
Red Flags Specific to Frisco ISD's Size and Structure
- The "we need more time" email: If a diagnostician or LSSP tells you they are "backed up" and asks you to push your consent date — do not agree. The clock starts when you sign, and that is by design.
- ARD meetings rescheduled more than once: In a district with 75+ campuses and limited specialists, ARD scheduling conflicts are common. But if your meeting has been rescheduled twice or more, document every instance in writing and send a formal email to the campus special education coordinator AND the district's Executive Director of Special Education stating that you expect the meeting to occur within the legally required timeline.
- Evaluations missing key areas: Watch for FIEs that skip assessments in areas you specifically raised concerns about — adaptive behavior, social-emotional functioning, assistive technology, or sensory processing. An evaluation must assess in all areas of suspected disability.
- Progress data that doesn't exist: If the ARD committee proposes continuing current goals but cannot produce actual data showing your child's progress (or lack thereof), the IEP is being rubber-stamped, not individualized.
One Action Step You Can Take Today
Send a written, dated request via email to your child's campus principal AND the FISD Special Education Department (specialeducation@friscoisd.com) requesting a Full and Individual Evaluation if you have concerns — or requesting a copy of your child's complete educational record under FERPA if they are already receiving services. Use email so you have a timestamped record. Texas law does not require you to use a district form to request an evaluation. A clear written statement is legally sufficient.
When to Escalate: TEA Complaints Against FISD
If Frisco ISD has violated your child's rights under the IDEA — missed timelines, failed to implement IEP services, denied evaluations without proper written notice, or excluded you from decision-making — you have the right to file a State Complaint with the Texas Education Agency. This is not adversarial. It is a federally mandated accountability mechanism, and you do not need an attorney to use it.
How to File
You can file a TEA State Complaint online through the TEA Special Education Complaints page or by mailing a signed written complaint to the TEA Division of Federal and State Education Policy. Your complaint must allege a violation that occurred within the past one year, identify the specific IDEA or state requirement violated, and describe the facts. Name Frisco Independent School District as the respondent. TEA is required to investigate and issue a decision within 60 calendar days of receiving your complaint.
Common Violation Types in Large Texas Districts Like FISD
- Failure to complete evaluations within the 45 school day timeline
- Failure to provide Prior Written Notice when refusing a parent request
- IEP services not delivered as written (frequency, duration, or provider type)
- Predetermination of placement — decisions made before the ARD meeting
- Failure to consider independent educational evaluations (IEEs)
Important: TEA complaint data and outcomes are public record. You can request complaint history for Frisco ISD through a Texas Public Information Act request to TEA. Knowing what TEA has already found against FISD strengthens your position at the ARD table.
What Frisco ISD Parents Should Do This Week
- Request your child's complete educational record — Send a FERPA request via email to your campus and to FISD's central records office. You are entitled to every evaluation, progress report, ARD document, service log, disciplinary record, and communication note in the file. The district must respond within 45 days, but push for faster.
- Audit your child's IEP service logs — Ask the special education coordinator for documentation showing every speech, OT, counseling, or specialized instruction session that was actually delivered this semester. Compare it to what the IEP says. Gaps are violations.
- Put your next concern in writing — Stop relying on verbal conversations with teachers or campus staff. Send a brief, factual email documenting your concern and requesting a response. Subject line: "Parent Concern Regarding [Child's Name] — IEP Implementation." This creates the paper trail you will need if you escalate.
- Request an ARD meeting if you haven't had one this semester — You have the right to request an ARD at any time, not just at the annual review. FISD must convene the meeting within a reasonable time. Put it in writing and be specific about what you want to discuss.
- Review your child's IEP goals with fresh eyes — Are the goals measurable? Do they include specific criteria, timelines, and evaluation methods? If a goal says "Student will improve reading comprehension" without a baseline, a target, and a measurement tool, it is legally deficient.
- Research your right to an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) — If you disagree with any FISD evaluation, you have the right to request an IEE at public expense. The district must either fund it or file for a due process hearing to defend their evaluation. They cannot simply ignore the request.
- Connect with a local advocate or support group — The Collin County area has active parent networks including the PTI (Partners in Technology Innovation) through Texas Parent to Parent and local advocacy organizations familiar with FISD-specific dynamics. You do not have to navigate this alone, and you should not.
Frisco ISD is a well-resourced district with capable staff — but capability does not guarantee compliance, and resources do not guarantee that your child is receiving what they are legally owed. Your job is not to be adversarial. Your job is to be informed, documented, and relentless. This brief is your starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions: Frisco ISD Special Education
Real questions Frisco parents are searching for — answered with Texas law in mind.
Does Frisco ISD have a Child Find process to identify children who may need special education?
Yes, Frisco ISD is legally required to operate a Child Find program that identifies, locates, and evaluates all children with suspected disabilities from birth through age 21. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Texas Education Code Chapter 29, every Texas school district—including FISD—must actively seek out children who may qualify for special education services, even if they are not yet enrolled in public school. This includes children who are homeschooled, attend private school, or are not yet school-aged. Frisco parents who suspect their child may have a disability can submit a written request for a Full Individual and Initial Evaluation (FIIE) directly to their campus or the FISD special education department. The district then has 15 school days to respond and 45 school days to complete the evaluation.
How does special education work in Texas, and what should Frisco ISD parents know?
Special education in Texas is a system of individualized instruction and related services designed to meet the unique needs of children with disabilities at no cost to families. It is governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) at the federal level and Texas Education Code Chapter 29 at the state level. In Frisco ISD, the process begins when a child is referred for evaluation, followed by a Full Individual and Initial Evaluation (FIIE). If the child qualifies under one of IDEA's 13 disability categories, an Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee develops an Individualized Education Program (IEP). FISD must provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). The Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees compliance statewide.
Who is on the ARD Committee in Frisco ISD?
The ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) committee in Frisco ISD includes the parent, at least one general education teacher, at least one special education teacher, a district representative qualified to provide or supervise specially designed instruction, and a person who can interpret evaluation results. Under IDEA Section 300.321 and Texas Education Code §29.005, the parent is a full and equal member of this team. In FISD, the district representative is often an assistant principal or campus special education coordinator. Parents may also invite outside advocates, attorneys, or specialists. The student may attend when appropriate, and transition-age students (age 14 and older in Texas) are encouraged to participate. Every member's input shapes the child's Individualized Education Program.
What are measurable IEP goals, and how should they be written for Frisco ISD students?
Measurable IEP goals are specific, quantifiable objectives that describe what a child is expected to achieve within one year of the ARD meeting. Under IDEA Section 300.320, each goal must include the child's present levels of performance, a clearly defined target behavior or skill, the conditions under which progress will be measured, and the criteria for mastery. In Frisco ISD, parents should ensure goals are written using concrete data—such as percentages, frequency counts, or accuracy rates—rather than vague language like "will improve." For example, a measurable reading goal might state: "Given a grade-level passage, the student will read 120 words per minute with 95% accuracy in 4 out of 5 trials." FISD must report progress on IEP goals at least as often as report cards are issued.
What does ARD meeting mean for parents in Frisco ISD?
An ARD meeting is Texas's term for the Admission, Review, and Dismissal committee meeting, which is the formal process where a team—including parents—makes decisions about a child's special education eligibility, services, and Individualized Education Program (IEP). The term "ARD" is unique to Texas; in other states, it is simply called an IEP meeting. Under Texas Education Code §29.005, the ARD committee must meet at least once a year to review and update the child's IEP. In Frisco ISD, ARD meetings are typically held on the child's campus, and parents must receive written notice at least five school days in advance. Parents are equal decision-makers and have the right to meaningfully participate in every aspect of the meeting.
How does Frisco ISD compare to Katy ISD in providing special education services?
Both Frisco ISD and Katy ISD are required to follow the same federal and state special education laws, including IDEA and Texas Education Code Chapter 29, so the core rights and processes are identical. However, the quality and implementation of services can vary by district. Frisco ISD serves families in Collin and Denton Counties and has its own special education department, staffing ratios, and campus-level support structures. Katy ISD, located in the Houston metro area, operates under the same TEA oversight but may differ in available programs, specialized campuses, and therapist availability. Frisco parents should focus on whether FISD is providing a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) tailored to their child's unique needs, reviewing IEP goals, progress data, and service minutes at each ARD meeting.
What is an ARD in Texas schools, and how does it apply in Frisco ISD?
An ARD in Texas schools stands for Admission, Review, and Dismissal—the committee and meeting process used to make all major special education decisions for a student. This is Texas's equivalent of what federal law under IDEA calls the IEP team meeting. In Frisco ISD, the ARD committee determines whether a student qualifies for special education, develops the Individualized Education Program (IEP), decides placement, and reviews progress at least annually. Texas Education Code §29.005 establishes the ARD process and mandates that parents are equal participants. FISD parents should know they can request an ARD meeting at any time by submitting a written request to the campus, and the district must respond within a reasonable timeframe. All decisions should be made by mutual agreement whenever possible.
What are the rules for ARD meetings in Texas that Frisco ISD must follow?
ARD meetings in Texas are governed by IDEA, Texas Education Code Chapter 29, and the Texas Administrative Code (19 TAC §89.1050). Frisco ISD must follow these rules: parents must receive written notice of the meeting at least five school days in advance; the meeting must be scheduled at a mutually agreeable time and place; all required ARD committee members must be present unless the parent consents in writing to an excusal; and decisions should be made by consensus. If the parent and district disagree, FISD must offer a 10-school-day recess period to allow further discussion before implementing disputed provisions. Parents have the right to audio-record the meeting, bring advocates or attorneys, and receive a copy of the IEP and ARD documents. FISD must also provide interpreters if needed.
What are the specific Texas requirements for ARD meetings in Frisco ISD?
Texas law imposes specific requirements on ARD meetings that Frisco ISD must follow. Under Texas Education Code §29.005 and 19 TAC §89.1050, FISD must provide parents written notice at least five school days before an ARD meeting, including the meeting's purpose, time, location, and who will attend. The ARD committee must include all IDEA-required members, and the parent is a mandatory, equal participant. Meetings must occur at least annually to review the IEP, but parents can request additional meetings at any time in writing. If there is a disagreement, Texas law provides a mandatory 10-school-day recess period. FISD must also ensure accommodations such as language interpreters are available. Parents have the right to audio-record and to receive copies of all documents discussed.
What do Frisco parents need to know before their first ARD meeting?
Before your first ARD meeting in Frisco ISD, know that you are an equal member of the committee and your input directly shapes your child's education plan. Under IDEA and Texas Education Code §29.005, the district cannot make unilateral decisions without your participation. Prepare by reviewing your child's evaluation reports, gathering any private assessments or medical records, and writing down your concerns and priorities. You have the right to bring an advocate, attorney, or anyone with knowledge of your child. Ask FISD for a copy of the proposed IEP and any draft documents before the meeting. During the meeting, request clear explanations of goals, services, and placement options. If you disagree with any proposal, Texas law grants a 10-school-day recess to continue discussions. Always request written copies of everything decided.
Where can Frisco ISD parents find a comprehensive guide to the ARD process?
Frisco ISD parents can find a comprehensive guide to the ARD process through several authoritative resources. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) publishes "A Guide to the Admission, Review, and Dismissal Process," which outlines parent rights, committee membership, and procedural safeguards under Texas Education Code Chapter 29 and IDEA. The SPEDTex website (spedtex.org), maintained by TEA, also provides parent-friendly explanations. Additionally, texasspecialed.com offers Frisco-specific guidance tailored to FISD families navigating ARD meetings. Parents should also request the "Notice of Procedural Safeguards" from FISD, which the district is legally required to provide at least once per year. This document explains your rights to consent, disagree, request mediation, or file a due process complaint. Being informed before an ARD meeting empowers parents to advocate effectively for their child.
What role does the ARD play in special education for Frisco ISD students?
The ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) committee plays the central decision-making role in special education for Frisco ISD students. Under IDEA and Texas Education Code §29.005, the ARD committee determines eligibility, develops the Individualized Education Program (IEP), decides the appropriate educational placement, and establishes related services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or counseling. In FISD, the ARD also addresses accommodations for state assessments like STAAR, transition planning for students 14 and older, and behavioral intervention plans when needed. The committee must meet at least annually but can be convened at any time upon written parent request. Every decision made at the ARD should reflect the child's unique needs and ensure a Free Appropriate Public Education in the Least Restrictive Environment.
What does ARD mean in education, and why is it important for Frisco ISD families?
ARD stands for Admission, Review, and Dismissal, and it is the Texas-specific term for the committee that makes all special education decisions for a student. In education, the ARD committee serves the same function as the IEP team described in federal law under IDEA. For Frisco ISD families, the ARD is critically important because it is where eligibility is determined, the Individualized Education Program is written, services and goals are established, and placement decisions are made. Texas Education Code §29.005 mandates that parents are equal members of the ARD committee. FISD parents should understand that no changes to their child's special education program can be made without an ARD meeting, and they have the right to provide input, express disagreement, and request revisions to any proposed plan.
How often does Frisco ISD hold ARD meetings, and can parents request one?
Frisco ISD is required to hold an ARD meeting at least once per year to review and update each special education student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). However, parents have the right to request an ARD meeting at any time by submitting a written request to the campus principal or special education department. Under Texas Education Code §29.005 and 19 TAC §89.1050, FISD must respond to the request within a reasonable timeframe. Additional ARD meetings may also be triggered by new evaluation results, a change in the child's needs, disciplinary actions, or transition planning. Parents should put all requests in writing and keep a dated copy for their records. Common reasons to request an ARD include inadequate progress on IEP goals, concerns about placement, or the need for additional services or supports.
What is an IEP in Texas, and how does Frisco ISD develop one?
An IEP, or Individualized Education Program, is a legally binding document that outlines the special education services, goals, accommodations, and supports a child with a disability will receive. In Texas, the IEP is developed during an ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) meeting, as required by IDEA and Texas Education Code Chapter 29. In Frisco ISD, the ARD committee—including the parent, teachers, a district representative, and an evaluation interpreter—collaborates to create the IEP based on the child's present levels of academic and functional performance. The IEP must include measurable annual goals, the specific services and their frequency, placement in the Least Restrictive Environment, and accommodations for STAAR testing. FISD must implement the IEP as written and report progress to parents regularly.
How does the IEP process work in Texas for Frisco ISD students?
The IEP process in Texas for Frisco ISD students begins with a referral for evaluation, which can be initiated by a parent, teacher, or other school staff. Once a parent provides written consent, FISD has 45 school days to complete a Full Individual and Initial Evaluation (FIIE). If the child qualifies under one of IDEA's 13 disability categories, the ARD committee convenes within 30 calendar days to develop the Individualized Education Program. Under Texas Education Code §29.005, the IEP must include present levels of performance, measurable annual goals, special education and related services, placement, and assessment accommodations. The ARD committee reviews the IEP at least annually, and a full reevaluation occurs every three years. Parents are equal members throughout and can request changes in writing at any time.
What rights do Frisco ISD parents have under Texas special education law?
Frisco ISD parents have extensive rights under Texas special education law, including IDEA, Texas Education Code Chapter 29, and the Texas Administrative Code. Parents are equal members of the ARD committee and must provide informed written consent before any evaluation or change in placement. FISD must provide the "Notice of Procedural Safeguards" at least once annually, which outlines the right to participate in all ARD meetings, access educational records, request independent educational evaluations, and invoke dispute resolution options including mediation and due process hearings. Texas law also grants a 10-school-day recess if parents disagree with the ARD committee's decisions. Parents may audio-record ARD meetings and bring advocates or attorneys. TEA oversees compliance, and parents can file formal complaints if FISD violates any requirements.
What is the connection between the ARD and special education services in Frisco ISD?
The ARD committee is the sole decision-making body for all special education services in Frisco ISD. Under IDEA and Texas Education Code §29.005, no special education services can be provided, changed, or discontinued without a formal ARD meeting. The ARD committee determines eligibility, writes the IEP, selects the placement, and specifies every service the student will receive—including speech therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, behavioral supports, and specialized instruction. In FISD, the ARD also decides accommodations for STAAR assessments and plans for transition to post-secondary life. The connection is direct and absolute: the ARD drives every aspect of a child's special education experience. Parents should view the ARD as their primary opportunity to ensure their child receives a Free Appropriate Public Education.
What does the Texas ARD process look like in Frisco ISD from start to finish?
The Texas ARD process in Frisco ISD begins when a child is referred for a special education evaluation, either by a parent or school staff. After the parent provides written consent, FISD completes the Full Individual and Initial Evaluation within 45 school days. If the child qualifies, an ARD meeting is scheduled within 30 calendar days. At the ARD, the committee reviews evaluation data, determines eligibility, develops the IEP with measurable goals, selects placement in the Least Restrictive Environment, and identifies related services. Under Texas Education Code §29.005 and 19 TAC §89.1050, the parent must receive at least five school days' notice. The IEP is reviewed annually, and reevaluations occur every three years. If disagreements arise, Texas law provides a 10-school-day recess and access to mediation or due process.