Setting the Tone for Your Child’s Education
Quite a lot goes into supporting the education of a child with special needs. Many vital decisions are made in a meeting that must occur at least once a year under Texas Law. Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) meetings play a huge role in how your child will be treated by the school district.
Tailored to Your Child’s Needs
There isn’t a single plan or even a menu of options that controls how your child will be educated. ARD committee meetings are meant to form a plan to meet the specific needs of your child. As such, it’s important to participate to make sure the information used to make these decisions is accurate and complete.
The ARD meeting is meant to be a collaboration. You’ll have a chance to discuss the plan with your child’s special ed teachers, school administrators and school psychologist. The outcome of that discussion will be used to shape the Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP serves as a guide for your child’s education.
The outcome of the ARD will depend on your child’s particular challenges and abilities. Your child may need extra time to complete tests. In some cases, your child may need to be moved to a special education classroom for additional support. What your child needs should dictate the outcome.
Behavioral Challenges Will Be Discussed
The IEP includes a behavioral element known as the Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP). This plan is based on evidence from parents, doctors and psychologists. It’s specific to your child and it’s meant to provide a structure for teachers to address behavioral problems.
The Timing of the ARD Meeting
The law requires at least one ARD Committee meeting per year. While that generally happens in preparation for the upcoming school year, other events can trigger an ARD meeting. For example, you can request a meeting to update an outdated IEP or address new behavioral problems. Your request should be supported by evidence.
School discipline can also trigger an ARD meeting. Let’s say your child receives an in-school suspension or out-of-school suspension that lasts longer than 10 days. The school must have an ARD meeting to discuss the situation.
Whatever caused the ARD meeting to be called, the parents of the special needs child have the right to participate.
Contact The Fell Law Firm for Support in Your ARD Meeting
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed during one of these committee meetings. Schools have far more experience with this process than parents do. They often even meet in advance to prepare a strategy about how the meeting should go.
Having an attorney there to represent you and your child can make a big difference. We can help you prepare or attend the meeting alongside you. To schedule a consultation with our experienced special education attorneys, call our Dallas-Fort Worth offices at 469-765-3304 or contact us online.