SAGE Coffee October 7, 2014 UNDERSTANDING THE ARD PROCESS FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 ARD stands for Admission, Review and Dismissal.  The ARD Committee must meet before the child receives Special Education services. This is the initial ARD meeting.  The committee will meet annually to review progress and develop the child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP).  The committee may meet more often than annually to revise the IEP if needed.  The committee will meet if it is appropriate to dismiss a child from Special Education services.  The committee meets at a mutually agreeable time. WHAT DOES THE ACRONYM, ARD, STAND FOR, AND WHEN ARE THE MEETINGS HELD?

 The ARD committee members include:  The parent  At least one regular education teacher  At least one special education teacher or provider  A representative of the district  A person who can interpret the instructional implications of the evaluation results  Other individuals who have knowledge or special expertise regarding the child  The student (when appropriate) WHO ATTENDS MY CHILD’S ARD MEETING?

 The agenda for the meeting includes:  Introductions  Purpose of the meeting  Review Evaluation Data and Other Information  Determination of Eligibility  Present Levels of Academic and Functional Performance  Annual Goals  ARD/IEP Additional Considerations (if appropriate)  Modifications / Accommodations  State and District Assessments  Consideration of Extended School Year (ESY) Services  Schedule of Services / Related Services  Placement  Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)  Assurances  ARD Committee members sign in agreement or disagreement to implement IEP  Notice of Implementation WHAT WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE MEETING?

 That is a difficult question to answer. Meetings may be brief (approximately 30 minutes), or the time may be longer.  The duration of the meeting varies for many reasons – purpose of the meeting, number of participants, etc. WITH SUCH A FULL AGENDA, HOW LONG CAN I EXPECT THE MEETINGS TO LAST?

 Let’s address that concern by looking at how parents play an important role in the ARD process:  Before the ARD committee meeting  During the ARD committee meeting  After the ARD committee meeting HOW CAN PARENTS PARTICIPATE IN THE ARD PROCESS?

BEFORE THE ARD MEETING

 Parents are encouraged to:  Review the assessment information. If you have any additional data to share, it is helpful to share that information before the ARD meeting.  Read and consider the draft goals. Do they sound appropriate and important for your child?  If you have any questions or concerns, contact the appropriate staff member prior to the ARD meeting, and let them know when you may be contacted. That allows the staff and parents time to answer questions and generate solutions. BEFORE THE ARD COMMITTEE MEETING

DURING THE ARD MEETING

 Parents are important committee members. You know your child best.  Minutes will be taken at the meeting.  Participate in the meeting.  Listen to the information shared.  Take notes and ask questions if desired.  Share any relevant information.  Sign the papers to show that you participated in the ARD. You have the option to mark agree or disagree regarding the committee’s recommendations. DURING THE MEETING

AFTER THE ARD MEETING

 The staff will continue to be available throughout the school year to answer parents’ questions.  Changes can be made before the next annual ARD if needed.  Your consent is voluntary and may be revoked at any time. AFTER THE ARD MEETING

 A Guide to the Admission, Review and Dismissal Process  Notice of Procedural Safeguards  Plano ISD website  TEA website  Consultation with staff members ADDITIONAL INFORMATION