ARD Meeting Guide: Pasadena ISD

Pasadena 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 Pasadena ISD: A Parent's Guide to Advocacy

Navigating the special education system can feel overwhelming, but understanding your rights and responsibilities in ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) meetings is crucial for ensuring your child receives the appropriate support they need to thrive. This guide is designed to empower you as a parent advocate within Pasadena ISD, providing clarity on the ARD process and offering practical advice for effectively participating in these important meetings.

What Is an ARD Meeting?

An ARD meeting is the cornerstone of the special education process in Texas, as outlined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Texas Education Code (TEC). IDEA, the federal law, guarantees a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to all children with disabilities. The ARD meeting is where the team, including you as the parent, works together to determine if your child has a disability that requires special education and related services, and if so, what those services will be. Specifically, an ARD meeting serves several critical purposes: * **Identification of Disability:** The team reviews evaluation data to determine if your child meets the criteria for a specific disability category under IDEA and the TEC. * **Development of the Individualized Education Program (IEP):** If your child is eligible for special education, the ARD committee develops the IEP, a legally binding document that outlines your child's unique needs, goals, and the specific services and supports the school will provide. This includes academic goals, behavioral strategies, related services (such as speech therapy or occupational therapy), and accommodations. * **Placement Decisions:** The ARD committee determines the least restrictive environment (LRE) in which your child can receive a FAPE. LRE means that, to the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities are educated with children who are not disabled. * **Annual Review and Updates:** The ARD committee reviews and updates the IEP at least annually, or more frequently if needed, to ensure it continues to meet your child's evolving needs. * **Re-evaluations:** At least every three years (triennial), the ARD committee will review existing data and determine if a new evaluation is needed to determine continued eligibility for special education services. The ARD committee is comprised of various individuals, each with a specific role and expertise. The team *must* include the following: * **Parent(s):** You are a crucial member of the ARD committee and possess invaluable insights into your child's strengths, needs, and learning style. Your input is essential in developing an effective IEP. * **Regular Education Teacher:** If your child is, or may be, participating in the regular education environment, at least one of your child's regular education teachers must be present. * **Special Education Teacher:** A teacher qualified to provide special education services to children with disabilities. * **School District Representative:** A person who is qualified to provide or supervise the provision of specially designed instruction to meet the unique needs of children with disabilities; knowledgeable about the general curriculum; and knowledgeable about the availability of resources of the school district. This is often the principal or an administrator. * **Evaluation Personnel:** Someone who can interpret the instructional implications of evaluation results. This might be the diagnostician, educational psychologist, or other assessment specialist. * **The Student:** When appropriate, particularly as the student gets older, they should be involved in their ARD meeting. * **Other Individuals:** You or the school may invite other individuals who have knowledge or special expertise regarding your child. This could include therapists, physicians, or advocates. Understanding the purpose and composition of the ARD committee is the first step toward becoming an effective advocate for your child.

5-Day Notice Rule

You have the right to receive timely notification of any ARD meeting. Texas Education Code §29.005 states that the school district 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 the individuals who will be attending, if known. * Your right to invite other individuals with knowledge or special expertise regarding your child. The 5-day notice allows you sufficient time to prepare for the meeting, gather relevant information, and arrange for childcare or other supports. If you do not receive a 5-day notice, or if the notice is inadequate, you have the right to request that the meeting be rescheduled. Document the date you received the notice in case it's less than 5 days. This is important for protecting your procedural safeguards. If the school district is unable to get your consent to hold a meeting with less than 5-day notice, the meeting must be rescheduled. There are limited exceptions, such as if the child has been suspended for disciplinary reasons and an ARD meeting needs to be held quickly. In those instances, the school district must make reasonable efforts to obtain your participation.

What to Bring

Coming prepared to an ARD meeting is essential for effectively advocating for your child. Here's a list of items you may want to bring: * **Your Child's Previous IEP:** Reviewing the current IEP and its goals and objectives can help you assess your child's progress and identify areas where adjustments may be needed. * **Evaluation Reports:** Bring copies of any recent evaluations or assessments conducted by independent professionals, such as therapists or physicians. These reports can provide valuable insights into your child's needs and support your requests for specific services. * **Work Samples:** Collect samples of your child's schoolwork, including completed assignments, tests, and projects. These samples can illustrate your child's strengths and weaknesses and help the ARD committee understand their academic performance. * **Observations:** Document your observations of your child's behavior, learning style, and interactions at home and in the community. These observations can provide valuable context for the ARD committee and help them understand your child's needs in a more holistic way. * **A List of Questions and Concerns:** Before the meeting, take some time to write down any questions or concerns you have regarding your child's education. Having a list will help you stay focused and ensure that you address all of your priorities during the meeting. * **Advocate or Support Person:** You have the right to bring an advocate or support person to the ARD meeting. This individual can provide emotional support, help you articulate your concerns, and ensure that your rights are protected. Under IDEA, you can bring anyone who has knowledge of your child. * **Medical Documentation:** If your child has specific medical needs that impact their education, bring any relevant medical documentation, such as doctor's notes or medication lists. * **Notes:** A notebook and pen to take notes during the meeting. This will help you remember important details and track any decisions that are made. By bringing these items to the ARD meeting, you can be well-prepared to share your insights, ask questions, and advocate for your child's needs.

The 10-Day Recess

Under Texas law, specifically the TEC §29.005(e), if you disagree with the proposed IEP developed by the ARD committee, you have the right to request a 10-day recess before the IEP is finalized. This recess gives you time to review the proposed IEP, gather additional information, and seek advice from experts or advocates. During the 10-day recess, the school district cannot implement the proposed IEP without your written consent. This provision ensures that you have a meaningful opportunity to consider the IEP and make informed decisions about your child's education. To request a 10-day recess, you must do so at the ARD meeting before it adjourns. State clearly that you are requesting a 10-day recess to consider the proposed IEP. The ARD committee must document your request in the ARD minutes. During the recess, use the time wisely: * **Review the IEP:** Carefully examine each section of the proposed IEP, paying close attention to the goals, objectives, services, and accommodations. * **Gather Information:** Seek out additional information or evaluations that may support your position. * **Consult with Experts:** Talk to therapists, physicians, or advocates who can provide you with expert advice on your child's needs. * **Document Your Concerns:** Write down your specific concerns and suggestions for revisions to the IEP. After the 10-day recess, the ARD committee will reconvene to discuss your concerns and make any necessary revisions to the IEP. You will have another opportunity to provide input and advocate for your child's needs.

Disagreeing With the Team

Despite your best efforts, you may still find yourself disagreeing with the ARD committee's decisions. It's important to remember that you have the right to express your concerns and advocate for your child's needs, even if it means disagreeing with the school district. If you disagree with the ARD committee, here are some steps you can take: * **Clearly Articulate Your Concerns:** Explain your specific concerns and the reasons why you disagree with the proposed IEP. Be prepared to provide evidence or documentation to support your position. * **Propose Alternative Solutions:** Offer alternative solutions that you believe would better meet your child's needs. Be specific and provide examples of how these solutions would benefit your child. * **Request Additional Information:** If you feel that the ARD committee is not adequately considering your concerns, request additional information or evaluations to support your position. * **Document Your Disagreement:** Ensure that your disagreement is documented in the ARD minutes. You can request that the minutes accurately reflect your concerns and the reasons for your disagreement. If you are unable to resolve your disagreement at the ARD meeting, you have several options for further action: * **Mediation:** Mediation is a voluntary process in which a neutral third party helps you and the school district reach a mutually agreeable solution. * **Due Process Hearing:** A due process hearing is a formal legal proceeding in which you present your case to an impartial hearing officer, who will make a decision based on the evidence presented. This is a more adversarial process than mediation. * **State Complaint:** You can file a formal complaint with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) if you believe that the school district has violated IDEA or the TEC. This is discussed in the next section. Remember, you are your child's strongest advocate. Don't be afraid to express your concerns and advocate for their needs, even if it means disagreeing with the school district.

Filing a State Complaint

If you believe that Pasadena ISD has violated IDEA or the Texas Education Code, you have the right to file a formal complaint with the Texas Education Agency (TEA). A state complaint is a written statement alleging that the school district has failed to comply with special education laws and regulations. Here are some examples of situations in which you might file a state complaint: * The school district failed to provide your child with the services outlined in their IEP. * The school district failed to conduct a timely evaluation of your child. * The school district failed to provide you with proper notice of ARD meetings. * The school district failed to implement your child's IEP correctly. To file a state complaint, you must submit a written complaint to the TEA within one year of the alleged violation. The complaint must include the following information: * Your name and contact information. * Your child's name and date of birth. * The name of the school district. * A description of the alleged violation, including the specific facts and circumstances. * Copies of any relevant documents, such as the IEP, evaluation reports, or ARD minutes. * A proposed resolution to the problem. The TEA will investigate your complaint and issue a written decision within 60 days. If the TEA finds that the school district has violated IDEA or the TEC, it will order the district to take corrective action. This may include providing compensatory services to your child, revising the IEP, or providing training to school staff. Filing a state complaint can be a powerful tool for holding the school district accountable and ensuring that your child receives the appropriate special education services. The information on how to file a complaint can be found on the TEA website. It is imperative to document all interactions with the school district and keep copies of all relevant documents to support your complaint. Remember, you are not alone in this process. There are many resources available to support you as a parent advocate, including parent training and information centers, disability organizations, and legal aid services. Empower yourself with knowledge, advocate for your child's needs, and work collaboratively with the school district to ensure that your child receives a free appropriate public education.

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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