ARD vs IEP: What's the Difference in Texas?
ARD stands for Admission, Review, and Dismissal. It's the group of people who meet, not a separate process. Everywhere else in the country, this exact same meeting is called the IEP meeting. Texas just uses a different name.
Response commitment: expect a response within 24 hours.
The short version: ARD is the team and the meeting. IEP is the document they produce. When a Texan says "we have an ARD coming up," they mean the meeting. When they say "what's in the IEP," they mean the document.
Who has to be in the room
- The parent or parents
- A general education teacher, if the child is or may be in general education
- A special education teacher or provider
- A district representative who can commit resources and knows the general curriculum
- Someone who can interpret the evaluation results
- The student, when transition and after-high-school goals are on the table
What's different about Texas
- At least 5 school days notice before the meeting
- Committees work by consensus, not a vote
- Either side can ask for a recess of up to 10 school days if the committee can't agree
- A dyslexia specialist joins when dyslexia eligibility is being considered
- A bilingual or LPAC representative joins for emergent bilingual students
What the committee actually decides
- Reviews evaluation data
- Confirms or decides eligibility
- Sets goals
- Determines services, accommodations, and placement
Everything the committee agrees to becomes part of the IEP, and the IEP is legally binding on the school.
Walking in prepared changes the outcome. Understand the Texas timelines that lead up to it. An advocate can prepare you before the meeting and stand with you during it.
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ARD stand for?+
ARD stands for Admission, Review, and Dismissal committee. It is the Texas term for the special education team that makes decisions about a student's services.
Is an ARD the same as an IEP?+
The ARD is the team and meeting. The IEP is the written plan that team reviews and approves. In Texas, people often say ARD when they mean the IEP meeting.
Who has to be at an ARD meeting?+
The required members include the parent, a general education teacher, a special education teacher or provider, a district representative, and someone who can interpret evaluation results. The student attends when transition goals are discussed.
Get in touch
Have an ARD coming up?
Send us the draft ARD paperwork before we talk. Preparation changes what you can ask for in the room.
This short form is enough to get started.