Special Education for Parents Kelly Ball, M. Ed Special Education Coordinator Tornillo ISD

Agenda What is an ARD? Parent Rights Eligibility Goals Accommodations and Modifications State Assessments and Evaluations Myths and Facts about Sped Resources Question and Answer

Ground Rules Please silence phones Take care of your own needs Please do not identify students by name/allow child specific questions for after the presentation

What is an ARD? Admission, Review and Dismissal Determines Eligibility Determines Services Determines Goals Addresses State testing and Evaluations Develops the Individual Education Program (IEP)

Parent Rights Procedural Safeguards Explains the Rights given to Parents by Federal, State and Local Laws and rules. Refer to handouts

Eligibility Two questions: Does the student have a qualifying disability? AND Does the disability create an educational need for the student?

Goals Close the gap between where the student is and where we want the student to be Must be: Measurable and annual AND Specify location, duration and frequency

Accommodations Allow the student to access the general education curriculum Do NOT change the expectation of mastery of the materials or content EX: Extra time, re-taking tests or assignments, oral presentation, reduced assignments or tests

Modifications Also allow the student access to the general education curriculum DO change the expected mastery of materials or content EX: Eliminating questions on tests/assignments that remove an objective or standard, Removing required elements of content for a course or subject

State Assessments Three types STAAR STAAR-Accommodated STAAR-ALT 2, State Alternative Assessment See eligibility requirements

Myths and Facts When it Comes to Special Education Sped students can’t fail classes or be retained in a grade Myth All students, including Sped students, can both fail or be retained Grade Placement Committee Determination

Myths and Facts Continued Sped students absences are always excused Another Myth Student absences are excused according to the District Policy There is no specific exemption that allows Sped students to be absent and always excuse them Compulsory attendance laws

Myths and Facts Continued Sped student’s don’t have to Pass the STAAR Myth In the ARD meeting, the IEP team can decide to exempt a student from passing but not from participating There must be substantial documented evidence as to why a student should be exempt from passing

Myths and Facts Continued Sped Students graduate differently Myth There is no difference in the diploma or transcripts Nothing specifically identifies the student as being in Special Education After High School, a student can self-identify

Myths and Facts Continued Doctor’s Notes A doctor’s note does not automatically tell the school what must be done It must be considered, not absolutely followed Can provide the disability diagnosis, does not address Educational Need Component

Resources Kelly Ball – Ballk@tisd.us, 765-3040 Juan Alderete – Region 19, 780-1919 TEA – Family Resources: http://tea.texas.gov/Curriculum_and_Instructional_Programs/S pecial_Education/Parent_and_Family_Resources/Parent_and_Fa mily_Resources/ Region 18 – Legal Framework: http://framework.esc18.net/display/Webforms/LandingPage.asp x

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