ARD Meeting Guide: Round Rock ISD

Round Rock 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 Round Rock ISD: Your Guide to Advocacy

Welcome to your comprehensive guide to Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meetings in Round Rock ISD. These meetings are critical for students with disabilities, as they determine the specialized support and services your child receives. As a parent, you are a vital member of the ARD committee, and this guide is designed to empower you with the knowledge you need to advocate effectively for your child's educational needs.

What Is an ARD Meeting?

An ARD meeting is a formal gathering of individuals who work together to develop, review, and revise a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP is a legally binding document that outlines the specific supports, accommodations, and services a student with a disability needs to access a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). The ARD committee is composed of several key individuals, including: * **The Parent(s):** You are the most important member of the team, bringing invaluable insights into your child's strengths, needs, and learning style. * **A Special Education Teacher:** This teacher has expertise in special education methodologies and can provide insights into instructional strategies and curriculum adaptations. * **A General Education Teacher:** If your child participates in general education settings, this teacher provides insights into the general curriculum and classroom expectations. * **An Administrator:** A representative of the school district who is knowledgeable about general education and special education resources. They ensure the IEP is implemented appropriately. * **An Evaluation Personnel:** Someone who can interpret the instructional implications of evaluation results, such as a diagnostician or educational psychologist. * **The Student (When Appropriate):** When appropriate, the student should be involved in the ARD meeting, especially as they get older, to express their own needs and goals. * **Other Individuals (At the Discretion of the Parent or School):** You or the school can invite other individuals with knowledge or special expertise regarding your child. This might include therapists, doctors, or advocates. The purpose of the ARD meeting is to: * **Review existing evaluation data:** The committee will examine assessments, observations, and other relevant data to understand your child's current academic and functional performance. * **Develop measurable annual goals:** Based on the evaluation data, the committee will create specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that your child will work toward throughout the year. * **Determine appropriate supports and services:** The committee will decide what supports and services your child needs to make progress toward their goals, including accommodations, modifications, related services (e.g., speech therapy, occupational therapy), and assistive technology. * **Determine the least restrictive environment (LRE):** The committee will decide where your child will receive their education, aiming for the general education setting to the maximum extent appropriate. The IEP must explain why a student may not participate in a general education setting. * **Document everything in the IEP:** All decisions made during the ARD meeting are documented in the IEP, which serves as a blueprint for your child's special education program. Texas Education Code (TEC) Chapter 29 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) outline the requirements for ARD meetings and IEP development. Familiarizing yourself with these laws is crucial for effective advocacy.

5-Day Notice Rule

You are entitled to written notice of an ARD meeting at least five school days before the meeting. This is mandated by Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §89.1050. This notice must include: * The purpose of the meeting (e.g., initial IEP, annual review, amendment) * The date, time, and location of the meeting * A list of the 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 **Important:** If you do not receive the 5-day notice, you have the right to request that the meeting be rescheduled. Don't hesitate to exercise this right if you need more time to prepare. Contact the school directly in writing. **What to Do If You Don't Receive Adequate Notice:** * **Document Everything:** Keep a record of when you received the notice and whether it met the 5-day requirement. * **Contact the School:** Immediately contact the school principal or special education coordinator to inform them that you did not receive adequate notice. * **Request a Reschedule:** Clearly state that you would like to reschedule the meeting to allow for proper preparation. * **Follow Up in Writing:** Confirm your request in writing (email is acceptable) to create a record of your communication.

What to Bring to an ARD Meeting

Coming prepared to an ARD meeting is essential for advocating effectively for your child. Here's a list of items you should consider bringing: * **Your Child's IEP (if applicable):** Review the current IEP before the meeting and identify any areas that need to be addressed or revised. * **Evaluation Reports:** Bring copies of any evaluation reports, including psychological evaluations, educational assessments, medical records, and therapy reports. These documents provide valuable data about your child's strengths and needs. * **Progress Reports:** Collect any progress reports, report cards, and work samples that demonstrate your child's academic performance. * **A List of Concerns:** Write down your specific concerns about your child's education, including academic difficulties, behavioral challenges, social-emotional issues, and any other areas where you believe your child needs additional support. * **Your Child's Perspective (if appropriate):** If your child is able to communicate their needs and preferences, bring a statement from them or involve them directly in the meeting. * **Notes from Teachers and Therapists:** Gather any notes or communications from teachers, therapists, or other professionals who work with your child. * **A List of Questions:** Prepare a list of questions you want to ask the ARD committee. This will help ensure that all your concerns are addressed. * **An Advocate (if desired):** You have the right to bring an advocate to the ARD meeting. An advocate can provide support, offer guidance, and help you navigate the special education process. * **A Support Person (if desired):** Even if not an official advocate, having a friend or family member present can provide emotional support during the meeting. * **Pen and Paper:** Take notes during the meeting to keep track of discussions and decisions. Remember, you are an expert on your child. Trust your instincts and be prepared to share your insights with the ARD committee.

The 10-Day Recess

The "10-day recess" refers to the right of the ARD committee to recess the meeting for up to 10 school days (Texas Administrative Code §89.1050). This recess can be used to gather additional information, conduct further evaluations, or allow the committee members to consider different perspectives. You have the right to request a recess if you feel that the committee needs more information or time to make informed decisions. For example, you might request a recess if: * You disagree with a proposed change to your child's IEP. * You believe that additional evaluations are needed. * You need time to consult with an expert or advocate. * The committee is not adequately considering your concerns. During the recess, the school district is required to provide you with written documentation of any new information or evaluations that are gathered. You also have the right to meet with the school district to discuss the new information and its implications for your child's IEP. **Important:** The 10-day recess is a valuable tool that can help ensure that the ARD committee makes informed decisions that are in your child's best interest. Don't hesitate to use it if you feel it is necessary.

Disagreeing With the Team

It's perfectly acceptable to disagree with the ARD committee. Remember, you are a valuable member of the team, and your input is essential. If you disagree with a decision made during the ARD meeting, there are several steps you can take: * **Express Your Concerns:** Clearly and respectfully explain your concerns to the committee. Provide specific examples and data to support your position. * **Request Mediation:** Mediation is a process where a neutral third party helps you and the school district reach an agreement. Round Rock ISD offers mediation services, and you have the right to request it at any time. * **Request a Facilitated ARD:** A facilitated ARD meeting brings in a neutral facilitator to help manage the conversation and ensure all voices are heard. * **Document Your Disagreement:** If you are still unable to reach an agreement, you have the right to document your disagreement in the IEP. This is often referred to as a "parental concerns" statement. * **Request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE):** If you disagree with the school district's evaluation of your child, you have the right to request an IEE at public expense. However, the school district can request a hearing to show that their evaluation was appropriate. * **File a Due Process Complaint:** Due process is a formal legal process that allows you to resolve disputes with the school district. Filing a due process complaint initiates a hearing before an impartial hearing officer. This is a more adversarial process and may require legal representation. Texas Education Code (TEC) §29.004 outlines the procedures for resolving disputes related to special education services. IDEA also provides specific guidelines for dispute resolution.

Filing a State Complaint

A state complaint is a formal written complaint filed with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) alleging that a school district has violated a requirement of IDEA or state special education laws. You can file a state complaint if you believe that Round Rock ISD is not complying with special education laws or regulations. **How to File a State Complaint:** * **Obtain a Complaint Form:** You can download a complaint form from the TEA website or request one from the TEA's Division of Special Education. * **Clearly State the Alleged Violation:** Describe the specific violation of IDEA or state special education laws that you believe has occurred. Include dates, names, and any other relevant information. * **Provide Supporting Documentation:** Attach any supporting documentation to your complaint, such as IEPs, evaluation reports, correspondence, and other relevant documents. * **Submit the Complaint to TEA:** Send the completed complaint form and supporting documentation to the TEA's Division of Special Education. The TEA will investigate your complaint and issue a written decision within 60 days. If the TEA finds that the school district has violated special education laws, it will order the district to take corrective action. **Important Considerations:** * **Timeline:** There are specific timelines for filing a state complaint. Generally, you must file the complaint within one year of the alleged violation. * **Exhausting Local Remedies:** It is generally recommended that you attempt to resolve the issue with the school district before filing a state complaint. Remember, you are your child's best advocate. By understanding your rights and responsibilities, you can work effectively with the ARD committee to ensure that your child receives the supports and services they need to succeed. This guide provides a starting point; always seek legal counsel if you have specific concerns regarding your child's special 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 13 (TEA ESC)

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

Austin ISD Leander ISD Georgetown ISD Del Valle ISD Hays CISD

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