General Overview of the ARD process

The ARD process involves a collaborative meeting where educators and support staff combine their expertise with parents' insights about their child to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This program tailors educational services to meet the child's unique needs, abilities, and desires.

Common Reasons for an ARD Meeting

• Initiation of schooling for the child.

• Diagnosis or assessment updates.

• Transitioning phases in education.

• Annual review of the child's progress.

• Requests for changes in the IEP.

• Behavioral challenges affecting education.

• Mastery or lack of progress on IEP goals.

Pre-ARD Meeting Preparation

Before the ARD meeting, parents can:

• Document observations about their child's academic and functional performance.

• Obtain new additions to the child's school records and evaluation reports.

• Note any new concerns or behaviors.

• Communicate with the child's teacher or special education director.

Attendees at an ARD Meeting

The ARD meeting typically includes:

• Parents.

• Child (if applicable).

• Regular and special education teachers.

• LSSP, OT, PT, VI or other special representative based on your child’s unique needs

• School district representative(s).

• Other invitees from either party. This group forms the ARD committee or team.

Expectations during an ARD Meeting

• Determine the child's eligibility for special education services based on identified disabilities and educational needs.

• Review academic performance, including statewide testing and classroom performance.

• Decide on the type of special education services, accommodations, modifications, and educational placement.

• Finalize the IEP, ensuring clarity on goals and support services.

• Sign the IEP, expressing agreement or disagreement with its content.

• If disagreements arise, discuss areas of contention and request further meetings or revisions.

Options in Case of Disagreement

• Refrain from signing the IEP.

• Request additional time for review.

• Seek further meetings to address concerns.

• If consensus cannot be reached, the school implements an appropriate IEP, providing notice to the parents.

The ARD process is designed to ensure comprehensive support for students with disabilities, incorporating parental involvement and collaborative decision-making.

Procedural Safeguards

The school is required to provide parents or guardians with the Notice of Procedural Safeguards once annually. Additionally, another copy must be given upon initial referral or if requested by the parent for evaluation, upon receipt of the first complaint filed with TEA, upon receipt of the first due process hearing complaint, or in the event of a decision for disciplinary action necessitating a change of placement, or upon parent request.

Here is the copy of the guide to the ARD process for you reference. The ARD process is designed to ensure comprehensive support for students with disabilities, incorporating parental involvement and collaborative decision-making.