Texas
What is an ARD meeting in Texas?
Texas calls the IEP team an Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee. Here is what that meeting is, who belongs there, and how parents can participate.
What ARD means in Texas
In Texas public schools, the team that decides special education eligibility and writes the IEP is called the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee. Federally, IDEA calls this the IEP team. Same core job. Texas uses ARD language in meetings, notices, and forms.
What the ARD committee does
Depending on the meeting, the committee may:
- Review evaluation results and decide eligibility for special education.
- Develop, review, or revise the IEP (present levels, goals, services, accommodations, placement).
- Discuss related services, behavior supports, and progress.
- Address discipline-related questions when those issues are on the agenda (see MDR and the discipline overview).
Parents are members of the ARD committee. You are not a guest. Schools must take reasonable steps so you can understand and participate, including interpreter support when needed.
Who usually attends
Required membership follows federal and state rules. In practice you will often see:
- You (parent or guardian) and, when appropriate, the student.
- At least one general education teacher of the child (when the child is or may be in general education).
- At least one special education teacher or provider of the child.
- A district representative who can commit resources.
- Someone who can interpret evaluation results.
- Others with knowledge or expertise, by invitation, such as a related-service provider.
Exact required members depend on the purpose of the meeting. Confirm the invitation list on your meeting notice and ask questions before the meeting if someone important is missing.
How an ARD typically runs
- Introductions and purpose of the meeting.
- Review of data (evaluation, progress, teacher input, parent concerns).
- Discussion of proposals (eligibility, goals, services, placement, supports).
- Attempts to reach mutual agreement on required IEP elements.
- Documentation of decisions, and next steps if agreement is not reached.
Texas has specific parent resources on the ARD process. Use those as your primary reference, not informal summaries.
Practical tips
- Ask for draft documents and evaluation reports before the meeting when possible. Put the request in writing.
- Bring your own notes, questions, and copies of key records.
- You may bring someone to support you. Tell the school if you plan to audio record, because Texas has notice rules for recording.
- If you disagree, stay calm and ask what options exist for recess, documentation of disagreement, and Prior Written Notice. See 5-day notice and 10-day recess and PWN.
Related Texas pages
- Parent guide: preparing for your ARD
- Prior Written Notice (PWN)
- 5-day notice and 10-day recess
- Texas evaluations / FIIE overview
Official sources
- TEA SPED Family Resources
- Parent's Guide to the ARD Process (SPEDTex)
- Texas SPED Support: ARD Supports
- IDEA (U.S. Department of Education)
- OSERS
When to get personal help
If meetings are complex, contested, or you feel outnumbered, personal help can mean a knowledgeable friend, your Parent Training and Information Center, or paid advocacy or coaching. Special Ed Network does not provide casework. Parents who want a paid coaching path can see For Parents (labeled clearly; not legal advice).
Reminder: this page is general information, not legal advice. Confirm current procedures with TEA materials and your district.