You may have come across the term ARD previously if your child has special needs. But what does ARD in Special Education actually entail and why is it so crucial in the context of special education? The ARD process—which stands for Admission, Review, and Dismissal—determines how schools will help kids with disabilities. As part of the ARD conference, parents, educators, and other professionals collaborate to create an individualized education program for your kid (IEP). It’s a chance to ensure that your child is receiving the support they require to succeed in school and to set objectives for the future. This blog will go in-depth on what happens at ARD meetings and why it’s so crucial that you take part in the discussion.
What is Special Education ARD?
The term “Admission, Review, and Dismissal” (ARD) in special education refers to the procedure used to determine, review, and potentially change a student’s eligibility for special education services in the United States. A team of educators and parents participate in this process by getting together to talk about the student’s requirements, create an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), and decide where to place the student and what services to provide.
Types of ARD Meetings
In special education, there are various ARD meeting kinds, each with a distinct goal and focus. The following are some of the most typical ARD meeting formats:
- Initial ARD Meeting: The first ARD meeting that occurs after a student is determined to require special education services is known as the initial ARD meeting. The team decides whether the student qualifies for special education services at this meeting, creates their first Individualized Education Plan (IEP), and selects the student’s placement.
- Annual ARD Meeting: This is when the student’s IEP and academic achievement are reviewed annually. The team evaluates the student’s progress, modifies their IEP as required, and sets goals for the following year during this meeting.
- Reevaluation ARD Meeting: The purpose of the Reevaluation ARD Meeting is to ascertain if the student still need special education services. The team reviews the student’s progress, evaluates their current requirements, and determines whether any IEP revisions are required during this conference.
- Emergency ARD Meeting: This meeting is called when the student’s requirements or circumstances suddenly change. For instance, an emergency ARD meeting might be held if the student’s academic or behavioral performance noticeably declines. At this point, the IEP would be reviewed to see if any modifications are required.
- Graduation ARD Meeting: This is the last ARD meeting that a student attends before leaving the special education system and entering adulthood. The team discusses the student’s progress, establishes future objectives, and makes any decisions regarding any additional assistance or services the student might require following graduation during this meeting.
These are a few of the ARD meeting formats that are used most frequently in special education. To be an active participant in the ARD process and guarantee that your child’s unique demands are getting fulfilled, it’s critical to comprehend the goal and focal point of each meeting.
The Role of the Parent in an ARD Meeting
The ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) meeting in special education is extremely important to parents. They are important team members whose opinions are crucial when deciding what their child’s educational options should be. The following are some significant ways parents can get involved in the ARD process:
- Parents should evaluate their child’s current Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and any new data regarding their child’s academic or behavioral performance prior to the ARD meeting. Additionally, they have to make a note of any worries or inquiries they have.
- Active Participation: Parents should actively participate in the discussion and offer suggestions regarding their child’s strengths, weaknesses, and educational requirements during the ARD meeting. They can voice their thoughts on the suggested objectives and services, ask questions, and offer further details.
- Collaboration: To create a successful strategy for the student, the team as a whole collaborates during the ARD meeting. By offering their viewpoint and collaborating with educators to find solutions and techniques that will promote their child’s achievement, parents may contribute to this process.
- Parents are the student’s main advocates, therefore it’s crucial that they make sure all of their child’s requirements are being addressed. They can speak up and ask for modifications if they believe the suggested IEP is not doing enough to meet their child’s needs.
- Following Up: To make sure they understand the revised IEP, parents should review it after the ARD meeting.
IEP vs ARD in Special Education
An ARD is the procedure used to create and review the student’s special education program, whereas an IEP is the document that describes it. Academic goals within an IEP don’t have to be standards-based. Both are significant steps in the special education process that support kids with disabilities and make sure they get the materials and support they require to succeed.