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A Guide to the Admission, Review, and Dismissal Process was produced to implement Texas Education Code (TEC) Section 26.0081 which requires the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to produce and provide to school districts sufficient copies of a comprehensive, easily understood document that explains the process by which an individualized education program (IEP) is developed for a student in a special education program and the rights and responsibilities of a parent concerning the process.
This document contains information a parent needs to effectively participate in an admission, review, and dismissal committee meeting for their child. This guide was produced with the expert guidance of a stakeholder group of parents, educators, other professional service providers, advocates, and information compiled from statewide public meetings. The ARD Guide is intended to be a companion document to, not a replacement for, the Procedural Safeguards, which explains the specific rights and responsibilities of the parent in the special education process as required by federal law. Schools are responsible for disseminating the ARD Guide at the local level by:
The implementation of the dissemination of the ARD Guide will be discussed during District Effectiveness and Compliance monitoring visits. The ARD Guide is intended to provide a common understanding for parents, school personnel, and communities, of the process by which an IEP is developed for a student with disabilities.
Dissemination Timelines
The TEA will print and send copies of the ARD Guide to each Education Service Center (ESC). Each ESC will manage the timely dissemination of the document to each district in their region. Districts must ensure that all parents of students with disabilities currently receiving special education services have a copy of the ARD Guide by February 28, 2003. The ARD Guide reflects current requirements and should be incorporated into the district’s referral process for special education evaluation as soon as possible after the district receives its shipment from the ESC.
Documentation of Dissemination
Although the TEA is not requiring districts to keep a receipt signed by the parents for the ARD Guide, there must be documentation in each student’s folder that the parent has received a copy of the document. Additionally, districts must maintain an ongoing centralized record of dissemination, listing the student’s name, and the date and method of dissemination. Districts will report this documentation to their ESC in an effort to evaluate the dissemination process. The state in conjunction with the ESCs will continue to bear the responsibility for publication of the ARD Guide.
Educating parents, school personnel, and the public in the contents of the ARD Guide document and Procedural Safeguards document will enhance the ability of parents to participate effectively in decision-making processes involving the education of their child. It will also help the district to establish and maintain effective IEPs for students that meet current federal and state requirements.
October 14, 2002, To the Administrator Addressed Letter
Texas Education Agency | Division of IDEA Coordination
1701 North Congress Avenue | Austin, Texas 78701-1494
Telephone: 512.463.9414 | Fax: 512.463.9560
Last Updated: November 25, 2002 | Created: October 16, 2002
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