What is the ARD Process?
Understanding the ARD Process for New
Parents
F.U.S.E
Families and Educators United for
Special Education Services
Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD
www.cfbfuse.com
RTI
(Response to Intervention)
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Some kids have difficulty learning at schools.
Through a process called RTI, the classroom
teacher will try to help your child.
RTI is a school based multi-level system where a
student will receive increase level of interventions if
he does not make progress.
If your child continues to have difficulties, your child
will be referred for more testing.
The Evaluation/FIE
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The school will need your signed consent or permission to
do a Special Education evaluation.
The evaluation will determine whether your child has one
of the 12 disabilities that might qualify him/her to receive
specially designed education.
It may take 60 calendar days to complete the evaluation.
The testing will be done by trained professional staff that
specializes in evaluating students with special needs.
After the testing is compete, the school will contact you to
set up a meeting to share the results of the evaluation.
After the testing…..
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After the testing is completed, if your child was
found to have one of the disabilities, the school
will contact you to set up a meeting.
This meeting is called Admission Review and
Dismissal Meeting (ARD).
It is very important that you attend this meeting.
The goal of this meeting is for the school staff
together with you to try to determine if your child
meets eligibility for special education services
If your child meets eligibility, the ARD will
develop an individual Education Program (IEP).
Before the ARD
How do I plan for this meeting?
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Make sure you allow enough time for the meeting
and arrange for childcare for your children.
Plan to come with your spouse/ significant other,
a family member or a friend who knows your
child and will contribute to the meeting.
Ask your child’s teacher for the result of the
evaluation and review it.
Before the ARD….
How do I plan for the meeting?
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Write down your child’s strength and weakness.
Write down all the things you want the school
staff to know about your child.
Write down all the things you would like your
child to learn and make progress in.
Write down the questions you would like to ask
the school staff about your child’s education.
The ARD Meeting
Who will be attend the meeting?
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The people who will attend the meeting include,
your child’s teachers, a school administrator,
members of the team who evaluated your child,
other service providers (such as occupational/
speech therapists) you the parent, and the
person you have asked to come with you.
A translator will be provided for you if you need
one.
Remember that YOU are an important member of
this team and your participation in the meeting
very important.
The ARD Meeting
What will the team discuss with me?
The team will discuss
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the results of the evaluation
your rights as a parent
how your child is functioning at school now
IEP (Individual Education Plan)
what types of adjustment will be made in his education
what other related services you child will need to make
progress
what are the skills your child will be working on and how to
measure the progress he is making
what type of classroom would be best for your child to
work on his IEP objectives
if your child older that 14, future planning will also be
discussed
Ending the Meeting
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Make sure you have read your notes that you had
written in preparing for the meeting.
Ask any questions you have or share your
concerns with the team.
At the end of the meeting the summary of what
has been discussed will be read.
Everyone including you will be asked to sign
showing your agreement with the educational
plan that has been made for your child.
If you do not agree, the staff will explain to you
how to proceed. They should also give you a
handout (Procedural Safeguards) that the state
of Texas provides on what to do if you disagree.
After the ARD
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After the first ARD, annual ARD meetings will be scheduled
to discuss the progress your child has been making and
new goals will be written.
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As a parent If you have a concern or feel the need to
discuss your child’s progress, you can schedule Parent
Teacher Conference or an ARD meeting before the annual
ARD.
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Every three years an FIE will be done by the school staff.
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As a partner in your child’s education maintain a good
relationship with your child teacher through out the year.
How do I support my child?
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Communicate with your child school through out
the year and monitor his/ her progress.
Get educated about your child’s disability.
Have a vision for your child.
Encourage your child to be independent but
provide him the help he/she needs.
Attend parent support group meeting and
network with other parents who have children
with special needs.