A type of plan where a child is on grade level but may need accommodations to help them be successful in school due to a disability.

A meeting of a group of people who help determine whether or not a student is eligible for special education and develops the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) (see below) for eligible students. An ARD committee is typically comprised of:

• • • A special education teacher

    • A general education teacher

    • A school district representative (i.e. school administrator) who:

      • • Can give instruction to meet your child's needs

        • Knows about general and special education curriculum

        • Knows about school district resources

        • Can translate any evaluation into a classroom instruction plan

    • A diagnostician, or

    • A staff member representing any related services the student may require (i.e. physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist)

    • The parents or legal guardian 

    • The student, when appropriate

11 strategies that must be considered when developing an education program for a student with autism. While all 11 strategies must be considered, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) does not require that all be implemented. Find the 11 strategies here. 

A summer school for students with IEPs that focuses on their IEP goals. Attendance is decided each year at an ARD/IEP meeting. Learn more about ESY here.

The body of knowledge and range of skills that all students throughout a state are expected to master. In Texas, the general education curriculum is the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).

An educational plan that addresses the individual needs of a child that takes into consideration the child's strengths and limitations, parent concerns, assessment results, and areas of academic and developmental needs in order to develop goals and objectives for the school year. It is created through a team effort at an ARD/IEP meeting and reviewed at least once a year.

This team is the same team as the ARD/IEP committee and decides if a behavior that causes a child's suspension was because of the child's disability. When a school wants to remove your child from a different placement, an MDR must be held.

A document that outlines timelines and important information for parents to understand the disability identification process in the school system along with their rights. A PDF document outlining the Notice of Procedural Safeguards can be found here.

Classes for students with severe emotional/behavioral concerns that adversely affect the students', or others', educational performance, and whose needs cannot be met appropriately in other settings.

Assessment that is completed by a qualified team when they are looking at specific behaviors of a student.

In this setting, the special education teacher or paraprofessional (under the direct supervision of a special education teacher) provides direct support for students with disabilities in the general education classroom.

Classes designed to provide a structured instructional program for students whose functional and academic needs cannot be met in other settings. There are three different Life Skills settings, discussed below.

Type of Life Skills instruction that provides more intensive functional-based instruction in areas of academic, self-help, vocational, socialization, and daily community living that promote independence.

An instructional setting where students with disabilities receive instruction in a core content area or other curricular areas in the general education classroom. The student may receive IEP accommodations and/or modifications.

Promotes appropriate participation in a physical education program for students with physical/intellectual disabilities.

Provides specific methods of learning enhanced by music.

Based upon evaluations, counseling services may be recommended for students to progress on their educational IEP. These services are direct or consult.

Trainer will work with parents and classroom teachers to provide the transition of mastered skills from school to the home and community.

A physical therapist provides services to students to facilitate their ability to participate in the educational setting. Physical therapists focus on providing a student with motor skills and assistive technology necessary for functional mobility and positioning in all areas of the school building, as well as safe access to the playground.

Travel to and from school.