How do IEP Meetings (ARD) Work in Texas?
Short answer: In Texas, IEP meetings are called ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) meetings. Parents have unique rights, including a 15-day timeline for schools to respond to requests, the "10-Day Recess" rule for disputes, and mandatory curriculum modification for gifted students.
Texas IEP Quick Facts
| Meeting Name | ARD (Admission, Review, Dismissal) |
| Response to Request | 15 school days |
| Evaluation Timeline | 45 school days (after consent) |
| ARD Meeting Notice | 5 school days minimum |
| State Agency | Texas Education Agency (TEA) |
| Help Hotline | SPEDTex (1-855-773-3839) |
What is an ARD meeting?
Short answer: ARD is simply the Texas name for an IEP meeting. It stands for Admission, Review, and Dismissal. While the name is unique to Texas, the meeting is governed by federal IDEA law and produces a standard Individualized Education Program (IEP).
How do I request an evaluation in Texas?
Short answer: Submit a written request to your school principal or district special education director. In Texas, the school must respond within 15 school days by either providing a consent form to start testing or a written notice explaining why they refuse.
What is the Texas 10-Day Recess Rule?
Short answer: Under Texas Administrative Code §89.1050(g), if you disagree with the school's proposal, you can demand a recess of up to 10 school days. The team must reconvene within that time to gather more data and try to reach an agreement.
Can I record an ARD meeting in Texas?
Short answer: Yes. Texas is a "one-party consent" state (Penal Code §16.02), so you do not legally need the school's permission to record. However, it is professional courtesy to notify the team 24 hours in advance to maintain a collaborative relationship.
Does Texas have rules for Dyslexia and 2e students?
Short answer: Yes. For dyslexia, HB 3928 requires schools to refer students for full IEP evaluations, not just 504 plans. For twice-exceptional (2e) students, Section 4.9A of the State Plan requires curriculum to be modified for "depth and complexity."
Texas-Specific Terms Parents Should Know
- LSSP (Licensed Specialist in School Psychology)
- Means: The school psychologist who conducts behavior and psychological evaluations.
- FIE (Full Individual Evaluation)
- Means: The comprehensive testing report that determines if your child is eligible for services.
- TEA (Texas Education Agency)
- Means: The state government agency that oversees all public schools and special education compliance.
Common Texas ARD Questions
How much notice must I get before a meeting?
Texas schools must provide at least 5 school days written notice before an ARD meeting, stating the time, place, and purpose.
What if the school misses the 45-day evaluation deadline?
If the school fails to complete the FIE within 45 school days of your consent, you may be entitled to "compensatory services" (make-up services) for the delay.
Who attends an ARD meeting?
Required members include the parent, a regular education teacher, a special education teacher, a district representative (admin), and someone to interpret evaluation results (like an LSSP or Diag).