ARD Meeting Guide: North East ISD

North East 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 North East ISD: A Parent's Guide to Advocating for Your Child

As a parent of a child with special needs in North East ISD, you are a vital member of the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee. ARD meetings can feel overwhelming, but understanding your rights and responsibilities will empower you to actively participate and advocate effectively for your child's educational needs. This guide provides information to help you navigate the ARD process within NEISD, drawing from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Texas Education Code (TEC).

What Is an ARD Meeting?

An ARD meeting is a gathering of individuals who collaborate to develop, review, and revise your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP is a legally binding document outlining the specific supports and services your child needs to access a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). The ARD committee is comprised of several key participants: * **You, the Parent(s):** Your input is invaluable. You know your child best and have the right to participate meaningfully in all decisions regarding their education. * **Your Child (When Appropriate):** Older students are often encouraged to attend and participate in their ARD meetings to voice their own needs and preferences. As a parent, you decide if your child attends the meeting. * **A District Representative:** This individual is qualified to provide or supervise the provision of specially designed instruction. Often, this is the Special Education Administrator or Designee. * **Your Child's Teacher(s):** Both general education and special education teachers who work directly with your child are essential for providing insights into their academic performance and classroom behavior. * **An Evaluation Personnel Representative:** Someone who can interpret evaluation results. This person should be knowledgeable about the specific evaluations used to assess your child's needs. This may be a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) or Educational Diagnostician. * **Other Individuals with Knowledge or Special Expertise:** You or the district can invite other individuals with knowledge or special expertise regarding your child, such as therapists, medical professionals, or advocates. You need to provide notice to the school district if you are inviting someone, so they have advanced knowledge of who will be attending. The ARD committee's responsibilities include: * **Reviewing Evaluation Data:** The committee will discuss the results of evaluations, including academic assessments, psychological reports, and related service evaluations (e.g., speech therapy, occupational therapy). * **Determining Eligibility for Special Education Services:** Based on the evaluation data, the committee determines whether your child meets the criteria for special education eligibility under one of the disability categories outlined in IDEA. * **Developing the IEP:** If your child is eligible, the committee develops the IEP, which includes: * **Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP):** A description of your child's current strengths and areas of need. * **Measurable Annual Goals:** Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals that your child is expected to achieve within one year. * **Special Education and Related Services:** A detailed description of the special education instruction, related services (e.g., speech therapy, counseling, transportation), supplementary aids, and program modifications that your child will receive. * **Accommodations and Modifications:** Adjustments to the curriculum, instruction, or assessment methods that allow your child to access and participate in the general education curriculum. * **Placement:** The setting where your child will receive their special education services. The goal is to educate your child in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), meaning the setting that is most similar to the general education classroom while still meeting their individual needs. * **Reviewing and Revising the IEP:** The ARD committee must meet at least annually to review and revise the IEP, or more frequently if needed. You can request an ARD meeting at any time if you have concerns about your child's progress or the effectiveness of their IEP.

The 5-Day Notice Rule

According to Texas Education Code §29.005, NEISD must provide you with written notice of an ARD meeting at least five school days before the meeting date. This notice must include: * The purpose of the meeting. * The date, time, and location of the meeting. * A list of individuals who will be attending the meeting. * A statement informing you of your right to invite other individuals with knowledge or special expertise regarding your child. * Information about procedural safeguards, including your rights as a parent under IDEA and the TEC. The 5-day notice rule is designed to give you adequate time to prepare for the ARD meeting. If you do not receive timely notice, you have the right to request that the meeting be rescheduled. Do not hesitate to reschedule if you feel unprepared.

What to Bring to an ARD Meeting

Preparation is key to effective advocacy. Gather relevant documents and information to support your input during the ARD meeting. Here are some items you may want to bring: * **Your Child's IEP:** Bring a copy of your child's current IEP and any previous IEPs. Review the goals, services, and accommodations to identify areas that are working well and areas that need improvement. * **Evaluation Reports:** Bring copies of all evaluation reports, including academic assessments, psychological evaluations, and related service evaluations. Highlight any areas of concern or recommendations that you want to discuss with the ARD committee. * **Progress Reports:** Review your child's progress reports to track their progress towards their IEP goals. Identify any areas where your child is not making adequate progress. * **Work Samples:** Bring examples of your child's work, such as assignments, tests, and projects. This can provide concrete evidence of their strengths and weaknesses. * **Medical Information:** If your child has any medical conditions that affect their education, bring relevant medical documentation. * **Notes and Questions:** Prepare a list of questions and concerns that you want to discuss with the ARD committee. Organize your thoughts and prioritize your key points. * **A Support Person:** Consider bringing a friend, family member, or advocate to provide emotional support and help you take notes during the meeting. * **A Written Statement (Optional):** If you have specific concerns or recommendations, consider preparing a written statement to share with the ARD committee. This can help ensure that your voice is heard and that your concerns are addressed.

The 10-Day Recess

Under Texas law, if you disagree with the IEP developed by the ARD committee, you have the right to request a 10-day recess to consider the proposed IEP. This is outlined in the Texas Education Code §29.005(e). During this time, the proposed IEP cannot be implemented unless you provide written consent. The 10-day recess allows you to: * **Review the proposed IEP carefully:** Take time to thoroughly review the goals, services, and accommodations outlined in the IEP. * **Seek outside opinions:** Consult with experts, such as therapists, advocates, or other professionals, to get their feedback on the proposed IEP. * **Gather additional information:** Conduct further research or collect additional documentation to support your position. * **Negotiate with the district:** Use the 10-day recess to negotiate with the district and attempt to reach a mutually agreeable resolution. At the end of the 10-day recess, you must either: * **Consent to the IEP:** Provide written consent to the IEP, allowing it to be implemented. * **Continue to disagree with the IEP:** If you still disagree with the IEP, you can pursue other dispute resolution options, such as mediation or a formal complaint. It is crucial to document your concerns in writing during the 10-day recess and communicate them to the school district. This creates a record of your efforts to resolve the dispute.

Disagreeing With the Team: Your Options

While the ARD process aims for consensus, disagreements can arise. It is important to remember that you have rights if you disagree with the ARD committee's decisions. Several options are available to you: * **Mediation:** Mediation is a voluntary process in which a neutral third party helps you and the school district reach a mutually agreeable resolution. It is a less adversarial approach than a formal complaint and can often lead to a more collaborative outcome. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) offers mediation services free of charge to parents of students with disabilities. * **Facilitated ARD:** This is a collaborative process where a trained facilitator guides the ARD meeting to ensure that all voices are heard and that the discussion remains focused and productive. It is useful when communication has broken down or when there are significant disagreements among the ARD committee members. * **State Complaint:** You can file a formal complaint with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) if you believe that NEISD has violated IDEA or the TEC. TEA will investigate your complaint and issue a written decision. * **Due Process Hearing:** A due process hearing is a formal legal proceeding in which an impartial hearing officer hears evidence and makes a decision regarding your dispute. This is a more adversarial process than mediation or a state complaint. You have the right to be represented by an attorney at a due process hearing.

Filing a State Complaint

If you believe that NEISD has violated IDEA or the TEC, you have the right to file a formal complaint with the Texas Education Agency (TEA). According to 34 CFR §300.153 and TEC §29.004, the complaint must: * Be in writing and signed. * State the facts and circumstances that form the basis of the complaint. * Allege a violation of IDEA or the TEC. * Include a proposed resolution to the problem. * Be filed within one year of the alleged violation. You can find the complaint form and instructions on the TEA website. TEA will investigate your complaint and issue a written decision within 60 days, unless there are exceptional circumstances. If TEA finds that NEISD has violated IDEA or the TEC, it will order the district to take corrective action. Filing a state complaint can be a complex process. Consider seeking assistance from a special education advocate or attorney to help you prepare and file your complaint. Remember, you are your child's strongest advocate. By understanding your rights and actively participating in the ARD process, you can ensure that your child receives the individualized education and support they need to succeed in NEISD. Don't be afraid to ask questions, express your concerns, and advocate for your child's best interests. The ARD committee is there to work with you to develop an IEP that meets your child's unique 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 20 (TEA ESC)

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

Northside ISD San Antonio ISD Comal ISD Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD Judson ISD

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