ARD Meetings
Types of ARD meetings:
“Initial” Admission ARD
After a child has had an evaluation that determines the child qualifies as a child with a disability under the IDEA, the ARD Committee will convene for an Initial ARD to determine whether your child has an educational need for special education services. At this meeting, the child's programming will be planned and IEP goals adopted. Only after the parent signs consent for the initial placement of their child in special education can services begin. The ARD Committee must meet at least annually (on or before the Initial ARD date) to review your child’s IEP.
“Annual” ARD
The Annual ARD addresses all aspects of the child's programming on a yearly basis. This will include the review of the current or “updated” goals and objectives as well as the adoption of the newly proposed IEP goals and objectives (these are sent home for the parents' review before the ARD). The schedule of services will also be determined. The ARD Committee will denote “accommodations” that will help the child be more successful in the school environments. District or state evaluations are also discussed. These are just some of the highlights; of course, more is covered in finer detail in an Annual ARD meeting.
“Revision” ARD
There are times when the ARD Committee needs to revise something set forth in the Annual ARD. At these ARDs, not every aspect of programming set forth in the Annual ARD has to be addressed.
“3-Year” Reevaluation ARD
Any child served in special education must have an evaluation at least every three years.
“Dismissal” ARD
If the child no longer meets the Texas Education Agency's eligibility criteria for special education, a Dismissal ARD will be convened. In this ARD, the evaluation is reviewed and the child is dismissed from special education services.
IEP Amendment
Some revisions to the Annual ARD do not require an ARD at all. This can be done with a “IEP Amendment.” The changes to be made are noted on the form and sent home for the parent/s.