Toolbox

Download our Tips Sheet for participating in ARDs

ARD Documents

Required IEP Documents

Annual Goals and Objectives: Outlines specific short-term objectives and allows categories for documenting annual progress. Also allows for ARD committee to assign persons responsible and members' comments.

Autism/Visual Impariment Supplement: Allows committee to address needs specific to the characteristics of students with autism or visual impairments.

Transition Supplement: Addresses post-secondary goals, related services, addiitonal transition-related areas such as community living, daily living skills, independent living and employment.

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Extended School Year Services Form: Required if students are recommended extended school year services.

Graduation Plans: Required for every student by the time they enter 9th grade. Addresses core areas, state requirements and additional prep courses that will move students toward post-secondary goals.

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Example 4

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) Form: Lists points to be discussed when addressing LRE.

Modifications Form: Lists examples of instructional modifications and supports determined by the ARD committee.

Participation in Statewide Assessment Form: Determines what assessments the student will need to take.

Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance Form (PLOPS) : Outlines the present level of academic and non-academic competencies.

Removal from General Education Form : Discusses justifications and ramifications of removing a student from the general education environment.

Services Form: Lists related services and persons/agencies responsible and length of time required.

Signature Page: Should be signed at the end of the ARD meeting by all attending parties . Each member also indicates whetehr they agree or disagree with the committee's decisions on the student's educational plan.

Examples of complete ARD/IEP packets:

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Student-Led IEPs

Student-Created Powerpoint : Example of a presentation created by a student to summarize goals, needs and personal characteristics. Aids the ARD committee to make appropriate decisions based on student's current needs and interests.

Template: Outlining what students need to present to transition ARD committees.

Supplemental Tools useful to fulfill ARD Agenda Mandates

General Eligibility Form: This flowchart outlines the determination of eligibility process for the student. Please check Texas Eligibility guidelines for the specific requirements: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/special.ed/eligdoc/eligdoc.pdf

Determination of Least Restrictive Environment: Guidance for determining appropriate educational environments.

Progress Form: Can be used by all reporting teachers to maintain records and share with ARD committee to report on IEP progress.

Parent Interview: A parent interview is conducted prior to the ARD meeting and helps a special education teacher determine several important factors about the student that may be pertinent knowledge for the ARD committee.

Example 1

Example 2 - Transition Planning Parenting Toolkit

CTE Teacher Forms

Locate Transition Related Documents - Click for Video

Forms that CTE teachers can bring to the ARD to educate the committee about their program.

Program Inventory: Using a program inventory CTE teachers can inform the ARD committee about the tools, instructional methods and evaluation strategies used in their course.

Basic Skills Inventory: CTE teachers can use this form to list the basic skills necessary for students to succeed in their classes.

Comprehensive Skills Inventory: This inventory enables CTE teachers to establish the skills that they would like their students to acquire at th end of their course.

Progress Form

Example of a PowerPoint presentation describing their program

Present Levels of Performance

Updated/Proposed IEP Form: Can be used by CTE teachers to update IEP goals and objectives or propose new objectives based on the student's performance in their classroom.

Additional Resources

A Guide to the Admission, Review and Dismisssal Process - http://www.tea.state.tx.us/special.ed/ardguide/

ARD Meetings - Federal and State Regulations - http://framework.esc18.net/Documents/20_ARD.htm

Parent/Guardian Resources

Using the ARD/IEP Agenda to understand the Special Education process - http://www.texasprojectfirst.org/ARDIEP.html

ARD/IEP Planning Conference between family and school - http://www.texasprojectfirst.org/SEProcessStep4.html

ARD/IEP Meeting: What happens? - http://www.texasprojectfirst.org/SEProcessStep5.html

Plan ahead for your child's ARD meeting - http://www.tsbvi.edu/Outreach/seehear/archive/ard.htm

Good Questions To Ask in the ARD Meeting - http://www.ourspecialkids.org/tgi-ardquestions.html

How to Survive an ARD Meeting - http://www.ehow.com/how_2164328_survive-ard-meeting.html

Common mistakes parents can make - http://www.spednet.org/ten_common_mistakes_parents_make.htm

IEP Basics: What the School Forgot to Tell You - http://www.tsbvi.edu/Outreach/seehear/winter02/iep.htm