Learn strategies to prepare for your child’s Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meeting.
The ARD meeting is a meeting held in order to develop, review, or revise an Individualized Education Program (IEP), which is a document that outlines the goals and services provided to a child with special needs in order to ensure their success in school.
You can make sure that the ARD meeting is fruitful and beneficial for everyone involved with careful planning.
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An ARD committee generally involves the child’s parent or guARDian, the child’s teacher, a school administrator, a special education coordinator, a school psychologist, and other professionals as needed.
A student’s progress and needs are discussed during an annual ARD committee meeting in order to create an IEP that is tailored to their specific requirements. This input from parents is crucial in making sure that children with special needs are getting what they need from their education.
An ARD committee meeting is typically divided into three parts:
During the first part of the meeting, everyone in attendance will review the student’s progress and discuss any concerns that they might have. You have the chance to offer comments and ask questions at this time.
Goals for the student will be the topic of the second portion of the meeting. Together, the team will discuss what goals are realistic and achievable given the student’s current situation. IEP development or revision takes place in the meeting’s final session.
In order to assist the student in achieving their goals, this document outlines the services and supports that will be offered to them. It’s critical to keep in mind that you are an equal team member and that your opinions matter.
Here are some tips for you to prepare ARD meeting.
Your school district is required to give you advance notice of ARD meetings so that you have the chance to attend as you will participate equally in decision-making on your child’s ARD committee. The location and time of the meeting must also be agreed upon by both you and the school. You should be ready to participate actively in the team.
If this is your first ARD, the school district You will receive a call from the Child Find coordinator or a campus contact to go over your child’s evaluation and schedule the meeting. Request the names and contact details of the attendees the school district is sending to the meeting. Emailing each of those people to introduce yourself and your child can be a smart move. Send the details of your child to each member of your team if you have a one-page summary of them.
and share it during the meeting. Prepare your binder carefully. You can feel more capable as a team member by using this tool. You should make a list of the issues and questions you want to bring up during the meeting. Request additional time or a second meeting if you feel that your concerns have not been addressed. Make a Child Info Toolkit is another resource.
This could be a family member, a friend, a neighbor, or a professional therapist. It is beneficial to have a friend or family member present to encourage you. They can serve as a second set of eyes and ears for you. Make sure the meeting coordinator knows who you will be bringing.
The ARD meeting is just one step in the process of ensuring that your child is receiving the best possible education. After the meeting, it is important to follow up with the school to make sure that they are implementing the IEP as discussed.
Additionally, you must monitor your child’s development and notify the school of any worries. There is always the option to ask for another ARD meeting if you believe your child is not making sufficient progress.
Remember that seeing to it that your child’s educational needs are met is the best way to be an advocate for them.
The ARD meeting is an important step in the process of developing an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for a student with special needs.
Although preparing for an ARD meeting can be intimidating, it is crucial for parents to understand their role in advocating for their child’s education.
In addition to reviewing records in advance, parents should become familiar with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), prepare lists of questions, and prepare for discussions.
The ARD committee is usually made up of a special education teacher, a general education teacher, the assistant principal or principal of the school, the diagnostician, ( a person qualified to interpret evaluations and the instructional implementations).
Do not bring up something controversial in an ARD meeting.
