ARD COMMITTEE MEETINGS
In Texas, there is a process for designating how children with special educational needs are to be served by school districts. This process is the ARD Committee meeting. ARD stands for Admission, Review and Dismissal. ARD meetings must occur at least once a year, but may also occur more frequently depending on the needs of the child. As a parent, you have the right to participate in and request an ARD meeting.
ARD meetings are where your child’s educational plan takes shape. The ARD Committee will consider your child’s strengths and weaknesses, your concerns, your child’s evaluations, and his or her academic, developmental and functional needs in developing an appropriate educational plan.
INTO THE LION’S DEN
Parents often feel overwhelmed and outnumbered at ARD meetings. School officials routinely meet prior to the ARD meeting to create proposals for the committee to consider. Sometimes school personnel know the process better than the parents. Sometimes, it may appear that a decision has been made before the ARD meeting.
The solution is to not be outnumbered or feel overwhelmed by working with a special education attorney like Sharon Ramage who will level the playing field.
The law gives you the right to have an attorney by your side during the ARD meeting. Sharon Ramage understands special education law and helps parents assert their rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Our firm represents parents throughout Texas in ARD Committee meetings and:
Protect your child’s rights and work with an experienced special education lawyer like Sharon Ramage to fashion the strongest Individualized Education Program (IEP) possible. We invite you to call our office at 972-562-9890.