Test 2. ARD meeting steps

Question 1

What are the steps of the ARD meeting?

Answer 1

1. Membership of the ARD is important
2. Decisions must be based on assessment data
3. Decisions must be taken up in order
4. District should be clear about its commitments
5. Know how to handle the non consensus ARD
6. The district is bound by the ARD’s commitments
7. It’s more about communication than legality

Question 2

Describe step 1, membership of the ARD is important.

Answer 2

All required members must be present. 5 required members= parents, regular ed teacher, special ed teacher, representative of local education agency (administration), some one who can interpret the instructional implications of the evaluation results (LSSP). Student must be present after age 14. The parent (legal guardian) is always invited to the ARD. An ARD may be cancelled and rescheduled upon the request of a parent. An ARD may be
rescheduled at a reasonably agreed upon time.

Question 3

Describe step 2, Decisions must be based on assessment data.

Answer 3

assessment is not just formal testing. Also includes info provided by teachers and parents, grades, informal assessment recommendations, and info from outside experts.

Question 4

Describe step 3, decisions must be taken up in order.

Answer 4

Pyramid must be built from the bottom up. Assessment, IEP, placement. Must consider present level of performance, appropriate and measurable goals, short-term objectives or benchmarks, special ed services provided, related services to be provided, and program modifications or supports for school personnel before deciding the placement of the student.

Question 5

Describe step 4, the district should be clear about its commitments.

Answer 5

Don’t leave the meeting without a promise list that identifies the specific commitment made by the school district and attaches a name and date.

Question 6

Describe step 5, Know how to handle the non consensus ARD.

Answer 6

When the mutual agreement about all required elements of the IEP is not achieved, the party (parents) who disagrees shall be offered a single opportunity to have the committee recess for a period not to exceed ten school days. If ten day recess is implemented and committee still cannot reach mutual agreement, the district shall implement the IEP which it has determined to be appropriate for the student. Students may not be placed in special ed without parental consent.

Question 7

Describe step 6, the district is bound by the ARD’s commitments.

Answer 7

If it’s in the IEP, the district pays the fee. Legally bound to provide services stated in the ARD document.

Question 8

Describe step 7, It’s more about communication than legality.

Answer 8

Focus on communicating with parents rather than what the law says. Parents must be heard and understood.

Question 9

Discuss the school psychologist’s role in the ARD meetings.

Answer 9

The school psychologist’s role in the ARD meeting is to evaluate data and interpret results of assessment in a clear and understandable way. They advocate for the student using a basis of referent and/or expert power. An ARD should be a pleasant meeting. Help parents to feel welcomed and at ease. It is not easy to be a parent at an ARD meeting.
- All parents should be treated with dignity and respect. A school psychologist should do their part in explaining any questions the parent may have and to make them feel comfortable.
-The ARD meeting is conducted in the form of an agenda required by law. The diagnostician/SLP guides the meeting and requests the participation of other
members at the appropriate time in the agenda.
- Be honest, yet tactful. Offer praise whenever possible. Address progress and concerns (academic and behavioral) very specifically. General or vague comments are not as helpful. Be realistic in terms of long-range goal expectations. Also, be realistic in terms of what programs are appropriate. Make decisions based on information from assessment data, as well as that of
teachers and parents.