ARD Meeting Guide: Houston ISD

Houston 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 Houston ISD: Your Guide to Advocating for Your Child

As a parent of a child with special needs in Houston ISD, you are a vital member of the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee. This guide is designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools necessary to actively participate in these meetings and ensure your child receives the free and appropriate public education (FAPE) they are entitled to under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Texas law. We will cover key aspects of ARD meetings, including what they are, your rights regarding notification, preparation strategies, what to do when you disagree with the team, and how to file a formal complaint if necessary.

What Is an ARD Meeting?

The ARD committee is the cornerstone of special education services. It's a group of individuals, including you as the parent, school administrators, teachers, assessment personnel, and sometimes related service providers (like speech therapists or occupational therapists), who come together to make decisions about your child's special education program. The ARD committee is responsible for developing, reviewing, and revising your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP). Think of the ARD meeting as the forum where all the important decisions about your child's special education journey are made. According to the IDEA (20 U.S.C. § 1414) and the Texas Education Code (TEC) §29.005, the ARD committee is responsible for: * **Determining Eligibility:** Deciding if your child meets the criteria for special education services under one of the disability categories defined by the IDEA and Texas law. * **Developing the IEP:** Creating a personalized plan that outlines your child's present levels of academic achievement and functional performance, measurable annual goals, special education and related services, accommodations, and modifications. * **Determining Placement:** Deciding where your child will receive their special education services, considering the least restrictive environment (LRE) - meaning they should be educated with their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate. * **Reviewing Progress:** Regularly assessing your child's progress toward their IEP goals and making necessary adjustments to the IEP. Remember, you are a key member of this team. Your insights into your child's strengths, weaknesses, needs, and preferences are invaluable. Don't hesitate to share your observations and advocate for what you believe is best for your child. Your voice matters!

The 5-Day Notice Rule

The 5-day notice rule is a critical protection designed to give you adequate time to prepare for an ARD meeting. According to the Texas Education Code (TEC) §29.005 and IDEA, the school district must provide you with written notice of the ARD meeting at least five school days before the scheduled meeting. This notice must include: * **The purpose of the meeting:** Clearly state what the meeting will cover (e.g., annual review, eligibility determination, IEP development). * **The date, time, and location of the meeting:** Ensure the meeting is scheduled at a time and place that is convenient for you. * **A list of participants:** Identify who will be attending the meeting, including their roles and responsibilities. * **Information about your rights:** Inform you of your rights as a parent under the IDEA and Texas law, including the right to participate in the ARD meeting and to receive a copy of the IEP. **What to do if you don't receive timely notice:** If you don't receive the 5-day notice, contact the school immediately and request that the meeting be rescheduled. You are not obligated to attend a meeting if you have not been properly notified. Document your communication with the school. **Why the 5-Day Notice Matters:** This notice gives you valuable time to: * **Review your child's records:** Request and review your child's educational records, including assessments, progress reports, and previous IEPs. * **Prepare your questions and concerns:** Jot down any questions you have for the team and identify any areas of concern you want to discuss. * **Gather supporting documentation:** Collect any relevant information, such as medical reports, therapy notes, or examples of your child's work, that will support your advocacy. * **Consider bringing an advocate:** If you feel overwhelmed or need additional support, consider bringing a special education advocate to the meeting. Remember, the 5-day notice rule is there to protect your rights and ensure that you have ample time to prepare for this important meeting. Use it to your advantage.

What to Bring to an ARD Meeting

Preparation is key to effective advocacy. Bringing the right materials to the ARD meeting can help you clearly communicate your child's needs and ensure they are addressed in the IEP. Consider bringing the following: * **Your child's previous IEP:** This will serve as a reference point for discussing progress and identifying areas that need improvement. * **Your child's assessment reports:** These reports provide valuable information about your child's academic and functional performance. * **Samples of your child's work:** Examples of your child's classwork, homework, and projects can illustrate their strengths and weaknesses. * **Medical reports or therapy notes:** If your child has any medical conditions or receives therapy services, bring relevant reports and notes to provide the team with a comprehensive understanding of their needs. * **A list of your concerns and questions:** Prepare a written list of your concerns and questions to ensure that you address everything you want to discuss. * **Your own data:** You are the expert on your child. Keep a log of observed behaviors, difficulties, or successes that the school may not be privy to. * **A support person (optional):** If you feel overwhelmed, consider bringing a friend, family member, or special education advocate for support. * **A notebook and pen:** Take notes during the meeting to document the discussions, decisions, and action items. * **A positive attitude:** Approach the meeting with a collaborative and solutions-oriented mindset. **Key Tip:** Organize your materials in a binder or folder to keep them easily accessible during the meeting. By bringing these materials to the ARD meeting, you will be well-prepared to advocate for your child's needs and ensure that their IEP is tailored to their individual requirements.

The 10-Day Recess: Your Right to Reflect

The 10-day recess is a crucial right afforded to parents in Texas special education law. Under Texas Education Code (TEC) §29.005(c), if you disagree with the proposed IEP developed by the ARD committee, you have the right to request a recess of up to 10 school days to consider the proposed plan and gather additional information. **Why is this important?** The ARD process can be overwhelming. You may need time to: * **Review the IEP in detail:** Carefully analyze the goals, services, accommodations, and modifications outlined in the IEP. * **Consult with experts:** Seek input from outside professionals, such as doctors, therapists, or educational consultants. * **Observe your child in the classroom:** Spend time observing your child in their current educational setting to gain a better understanding of their needs. * **Gather additional information:** Research best practices or alternative approaches that might benefit your child. * **Simply process the information:** Digest everything that was discussed during the ARD meeting and formulate your thoughts and concerns. **How to request a 10-day recess:** Simply inform the ARD committee at the end of the meeting that you would like to recess for 10 school days to consider the proposed IEP. The committee cannot refuse your request. It is best practice to make this request in writing as well, just for documentation purposes. **During the 10-day recess:** Use this time wisely. Focus on gathering the information you need to make an informed decision about your child's IEP. Don't hesitate to contact the school district with any questions or concerns. **What happens after the 10-day recess?** After the recess, you will reconvene with the ARD committee to discuss your concerns and work toward a mutually agreeable IEP. The 10-day recess is a valuable tool that empowers you to be an active and informed participant in the ARD process. Don't be afraid to exercise this right if you need more time to consider your child's IEP.

Disagreeing With the ARD Team: Your Options

It's not uncommon for parents to disagree with the ARD committee. Remember, you are a vital member of the team, and your perspective is essential. If you find yourself at odds with the committee, here's how to navigate the situation: 1. **Clearly Articulate Your Concerns:** Explain your specific concerns about the proposed IEP or decisions made by the committee. Provide evidence to support your position, such as assessment data, work samples, or observations. Be calm and respectful, even if you feel frustrated. 2. **Propose Alternatives:** Instead of simply rejecting the committee's recommendations, offer alternative solutions that you believe would better meet your child's needs. For example, you might suggest different goals, services, accommodations, or placement options. 3. **Document Everything:** Keep detailed records of all communication with the school, including meeting notes, emails, and phone calls. This documentation can be crucial if you need to pursue further action. 4. **Consider Mediation:** Mediation is a process where a neutral third party helps you and the school district reach a mutually agreeable resolution. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) offers mediation services free of charge to parents of students with disabilities. You can find information on TEA's website. 5. **Request a Facilitated ARD Meeting:** In some cases, a facilitated ARD meeting can help resolve disagreements. A trained facilitator guides the discussion and ensures that all parties have an opportunity to express their views and concerns. Ask your school district about facilitated ARD meetings. 6. **The 10-Day Recess (Revisited):** As discussed earlier, if you're feeling pressured or need more time, request a 10-day recess to further consider the options and gather more information. If, after exhausting these steps, you still disagree with the ARD committee's decisions, you have the right to pursue further action, including filing a formal complaint.

Filing a State Complaint

If you believe that Houston ISD has violated your child's rights under the IDEA or Texas special education law, you have the right to file a formal state complaint with the Texas Education Agency (TEA). **What types of violations warrant a complaint?** Examples include, but are not limited to: * Failure to provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). * Failure to properly evaluate your child's needs. * Failure to implement your child's IEP. * Failure to follow procedural safeguards, such as providing timely notice of ARD meetings. **How to file a complaint:** 1. **Obtain the Complaint Form:** You can download the complaint form from the TEA website (tea.texas.gov). Search for "Special Education Complaint Process." 2. **Complete the Complaint Form:** Fill out the form completely and accurately. Be sure to include: * Your child's name and date of birth. * The name of the school and school district. * A detailed description of the alleged violation, including specific dates and events. * Copies of relevant documents, such as the IEP, assessment reports, and correspondence with the school. * Your desired resolution. 3. **Submit the Complaint:** Submit the completed complaint form and supporting documentation to TEA. The address is typically provided on the complaint form itself. **Important Considerations:** * **Timelines:** You must file the complaint within one year of the date of the alleged violation. * **TEA's Investigation:** TEA will investigate your complaint and determine whether the school district has violated your child's rights. * **Remedies:** If TEA finds that a violation has occurred, they may order the school district to take corrective action, such as providing compensatory education services or revising the IEP. Filing a state complaint can be a complex process. Consider seeking assistance from a special education advocate or attorney to help you navigate the process. While it can be intimidating, remember that filing a complaint is a right you have to ensure your child receives the education they deserve. You are your child's most important advocate!

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:

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

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