ARD Meeting Guide: Humble ISD

Humble 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 Humble ISD: A Parent's Guide to Advocacy

Understanding and navigating the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) process in Humble ISD can feel overwhelming, but you, as a parent, are the most important member of your child's ARD committee. You know your child best, and your insights are crucial to developing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that meets their unique needs. This guide is designed to empower you, the parent, to actively participate in ARD meetings, understand your rights, and advocate effectively for your child's educational success in Humble ISD.

What Is an ARD Meeting?

An ARD meeting, short for Admission, Review, and Dismissal, is a formal meeting required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to discuss and make decisions about a student's eligibility for special education services and, if eligible, to develop, review, and revise their IEP. The ARD committee is a team comprised of individuals with knowledge of the student, the meaning of evaluation data, and placement options. The purpose is to create a personalized plan that supports the student's learning and growth in the least restrictive environment. According to IDEA (20 U.S.C. § 1414) and Texas Education Code (TEC) § 29.005, 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 of the child, or where appropriate, at least one special education provider of the child. * 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 school district. * An individual who can interpret the instructional implications of evaluation results, who may be a member of the team described above. * 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. In Humble ISD, the ARD committee operates within these legal frameworks to ensure that each student's IEP is tailored to their individual needs. The ARD meeting is where decisions are made about eligibility, goals, accommodations, modifications, and the appropriate educational setting for your child. The IEP is a legally binding document, meaning the district is obligated to provide the services outlined within it.

The 5-Day Notice Rule

You have the right to receive written notice of an ARD meeting at least five school days before it is scheduled to take place. This is enshrined in both IDEA and Texas Education Code § 29.005(c). 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, if known. * A statement informing you of your right to invite individuals with knowledge or special expertise regarding your child. If you do not receive adequate notice, you have the right to request that the meeting be rescheduled. It is crucial to insist on this right. The 5-day notice period provides you with sufficient time to prepare, gather information, and consult with other professionals if needed. Don't hesitate to use this time to thoroughly review any reports or documents provided by the school and to formulate your questions and concerns. If the district attempts to hold an ARD meeting without proper notice, politely but firmly remind them of your rights under IDEA and the Texas Education Code. Document the incident and follow up with the Special Education Director if necessary. This is your opportunity to establish yourself as an informed and proactive advocate for your child.

What to Bring to the ARD Meeting

Coming prepared to an ARD meeting is vital for effective advocacy. Here's a list of items you should consider bringing: * **A copy of your child's current IEP:** This allows you to review the existing goals, accommodations, and modifications and identify areas that need updating or improvement. * **Evaluation reports and medical documentation:** Any outside evaluations, medical records, or therapy reports that support your child's needs should be brought to the meeting. These documents provide valuable insights and can strengthen your arguments for specific services or supports. * **A list of your child's strengths and weaknesses:** Compile a list of your child's academic, social, and emotional strengths, as well as areas where they struggle. This helps the ARD committee gain a comprehensive understanding of your child's profile. * **Specific goals you have for your child:** Consider what you want your child to achieve academically, socially, and emotionally in the upcoming year. Sharing these goals with the ARD committee helps ensure that the IEP is aligned with your aspirations for your child. * **Questions and concerns:** Write down any questions or concerns you have about your child's education or the special education services they are receiving. This will ensure that you address all your concerns during the meeting. * **Notes:** Take notes during the meeting to document the discussion, decisions made, and any disagreements. This record can be helpful if you need to refer back to the meeting later. * **A support person:** Bring a friend, family member, or advocate with you to the meeting. A support person can provide emotional support, take notes, and help you advocate for your child. * **Texas Education Code and IDEA references:** Print out relevant sections of the Texas Education Code (TEC) and IDEA so you can refer to them during the meeting if necessary. Having this information readily available can strengthen your position and ensure that your child's rights are protected. * **Previous ARD meeting minutes:** If this is not the initial ARD meeting, bring the minutes from the previous meeting. This will give you a reference point as to what was discussed and agreed upon in the past. By being well-prepared, you demonstrate your commitment to your child's education and increase your ability to participate meaningfully in the ARD process.

The 10-Day Recess

Under Texas Education Code § 29.005(e), if the ARD committee is unable to reach a consensus regarding the child's IEP at the initial meeting, the parent has the right to request a 10-day recess to consider the proposed IEP. This 10-day period excludes weekends and holidays. This provides you with time to: * Review the proposed IEP in detail. * Seek advice from outside experts, such as educational consultants, therapists, or attorneys. * Gather additional information to support your position. * Prepare for a subsequent ARD meeting to address the areas of disagreement. It's important to note that the 10-day recess is a *right*, not a privilege. The school district cannot deny your request for a recess if you feel you need more time to consider the IEP. When requesting the recess, do so in writing and keep a copy for your records. During the recess, maintain open communication with the school district to ensure that the process remains collaborative. Use the time wisely to research your child's needs and develop a clear understanding of the services and supports they require to succeed. Remember, the ARD committee's goal should be to create an IEP that is tailored to your child's individual needs, and you have the right to ensure that the IEP is comprehensive and appropriate.

Disagreeing With the Team

It's not uncommon to disagree with the ARD committee on certain aspects of your child's IEP. If you find yourself in this situation, it's important to remain calm, respectful, and persistent in advocating for your child's needs. Here are some steps you can take when disagreeing with the ARD team: * **Clearly articulate your concerns:** Explain why you disagree with the proposed IEP and provide specific examples to support your position. * **Present supporting documentation:** Share any evaluation reports, medical records, or other documentation that strengthens your case. * **Propose alternative solutions:** Offer alternative goals, accommodations, or modifications that you believe would be more effective for your child. * **Request additional information:** Ask the ARD committee to provide data or research that supports their recommendations. * **Document your concerns in the ARD minutes:** Ensure that your disagreement and the reasons for it are accurately recorded in the meeting minutes. This creates a record of your concerns and can be helpful if you need to pursue further action. If, after discussing your concerns and exploring alternative solutions, you still disagree with the ARD committee's decision, you have several options: * **Request another ARD meeting:** Request an additional meeting to further discuss the areas of disagreement and explore possible compromises. * **Utilize the 10-day recess:** As discussed earlier, you can request a 10-day recess to consider the proposed IEP and gather additional information. * **Request Mediation:** Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral third party helps you and the school district reach a mutually agreeable resolution. This is offered through the Texas Education Agency (TEA). * **Request a Due Process Hearing:** A due process hearing is a formal legal proceeding where an impartial hearing officer hears evidence and makes a decision about the dispute. Remember, you have the right to advocate for your child's needs, and it's important to stand your ground if you believe the proposed IEP is not appropriate.

Filing a State Complaint

If you believe that Humble ISD has violated IDEA or the Texas Education Code in the provision of special education services to your child, you have the right to file a formal complaint with the Texas Education Agency (TEA). A state complaint can address issues such as: * Failure to provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE). * Inappropriate evaluation or assessment of your child. * Failure to implement the IEP. * Procedural violations of IDEA or the Texas Education Code. To file a state complaint, you must submit a written complaint to TEA within one year of the alleged violation. The complaint must include: * Your name and contact information. * Your child's name, date of birth, and school. * A detailed description of the alleged violation, including dates, times, and individuals involved. * A proposed resolution to the problem. TEA will investigate the complaint and issue a written decision within 60 days. If TEA finds that the district has violated IDEA or the Texas Education Code, it will order corrective action to remedy the violation. Filing a state complaint can be a powerful tool for holding the school district accountable and ensuring that your child receives the special education services they are entitled to. However, it's important to understand that the process can be lengthy and complex. Consider seeking legal advice or consulting with an advocate before filing a complaint. By understanding your rights and responsibilities within the ARD process, you can become a powerful advocate for your child's educational success in Humble ISD. Remember, you are your child's voice, and your participation in the ARD process is crucial to ensuring that their IEP is tailored to their individual needs.

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:

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

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