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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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)

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

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. Resources Kelly Ball – Ballk@tisd.us, 765-3040
Juan Alderete – Region 19,
TEA – Family Resources: pecial_Education/Parent_and_Family_Resources/Parent_and_Fa mily_Resources/
Region 18 – Legal Framework: x

17. Questions or Comments