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ARD stands for Admission, Review, and Dismissal. It is the legal process in Texas that determines if a student is eligible for special education services.
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Introduction
The term ARD in special education stands for Admission, Review, and Dismissal. This is the name of the process, also sometimes called an IEP meeting, that is used to develop, review, and revise an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for a student with disabilities.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that students with disabilities be provided with a free appropriate public education (FAPE). Part of FAPE is ensuring that each student has an IEP that is tailored to meet their unique needs. The ARD process is how those needs are identified and the IEP is created.
Parents, educators, and other professionals who work with the student meet to discuss the student’s progress and identify what goals should be included in the IEP. The meeting usuallyresults in a document that outlines the student’s strengths and weaknesses, sets goals for the student’s education, and outlines how those goals will be achieved.
What is ARD?
An ARD is a meeting that is required by federal law to create an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for a student with a disability. The purpose of an ARD is to bring together a team of people to discuss the student’s needs and create an IEP.
What is the process?
An ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) meeting is required whenever a student is referred for Special Education services. The purpose of the meeting is to determine if the student is eligible for services, and if so, to develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
The ARD process begins with a referral. A referral can be made by anyone who is concerned about a student’s academic or social-emotional progress. Once a referral is received, the school will conduct an evaluation to determine if the student qualifies for Special Education services. If the student does not qualify, the school will provide resources and supports to help the student succeed. If the student does qualify, an ARD meeting will be scheduled to develop an IEP.
The IEP is a document that outlines the student’s strengths and needs, as well as goals and services that will help the student succeed. The IEP team includes the parent/guardian, teachers, specialists, and other school personnel who are familiar with the student. The team will meet to review the evaluation results and develop the IEP. Once the IEP is developed, it will be implemented by teachers and specialists in order to support the student’s academic and social-emotional needs.
Who is involved?
An ARD meeting is a formal meeting to determine a student’s eligibility for special education services and to develop an Individual Education Program (IEP) for eligible students. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that an ARD committee be composed of certain people, including the student’s parents or guardians, at least one regular education teacher, at least one special education teacher or service provider, a school district representative who is knowledgeable about the general curriculum and about the availability of resources, and if appropriate, the student. Other individuals may be included at the discretion of the parent or school district.
What are the benefits of ARD?
ARD is a process that is used to identify children who have a disability and who qualify for special education services. The ARD process is important because it ensures that children with a disability receive the services they need to be successful in school.
For the student
Some of the benefits of ARD for students with disabilities include:
– Customized education: A student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) is created specifically for them, based on their unique needs. This means that the student will receive instruction and services that are tailored to help them learn and succeed.
– Meeting new people: In addition to meeting their teachers and therapists, students will also get to interact with their peers in an inclusive setting. This can help them develop social skills and make new friends.
– Increased independence: Students will have the opportunity to learn how to function independently in an educational setting. This can prepare them for life after graduation, whether they choose to go to college, enter the workforce, or live in a group home.
For the family
There is no one “benefit” of having an ARD meeting. Rather, the process of having an ARD meeting and developing an IEP can be beneficial for the student and the family in many ways.
Some benefits of having an ARD meeting and developing an IEP may include:
-A greater understanding of your child’s educational needs
-Greater clarity about what types of supports and services your child will receive
-A plan for addressing your child’s unique needs
-The opportunity to meet with school personnel and discuss your child’s progress
-The chance to ask questions and get information about special education programs and services
What are the challenges of ARD?
The ARD process in special education can be very challenging for both parents and educators. It can be difficult to come to a consensus on what is best for the child, and the process can be time-consuming. Let’s talk about some of the challenges of the ARD process.
Time commitment
Creating and implementing an ARD plan can be very time-consuming. For parents, this may mean taking time off work to attend meetings or going to training sessions. Teachers may also need to spend extra time outside of the classroom to prepare for meetings or create individualized education plans.
Emotional investment
When a parent first learns their child has a disability, they might feel like they have lost all control. It’s hard to let go of the dreams and plans you had for your child’s future. You might feel guilty, or like you have failed in some way. These are all normal reactions. But it’s important to remember that every child is unique and special, with their own strengths and weaknesses. A disability is just one part of who they are – it doesn’t define them.
It can be hard to accept that your child has a disability, and that they might need help in some areas of their life. This is especially true if you don’t know anyone else with a similar situation. It’s OK to feel sad, confused, or angry at first. These are all normal reactions. But try to focus on the positive – on what your child CAN do, rather than what they can’t.
It can be hard to watch your child struggle, especially when you know there is nothing you can do to “fix” them. This can lead to feelings of frustration and helplessness. It’s important to remember that every child learns at their own pace. Just because they are not reaching milestones as quickly as other children their age does not mean they will never catch up.
It can be difficult to find accurate information about your child’s condition and what it means for their future. This can lead to feelings of uncertainty and anxiety about the future. Try to focus on the present and take things one day at a time. Seek out support from other parents who have been through similar situations.
Conclusion
ARD stands for Admission, Review, and Dismissal. The ARD meeting is a meeting held to determine a student’s eligibility for special education services, to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP), and to review and revise the IEP as needed.
