Below is a list of frequently asked questions about special education.  If you have a question or questions that you would like added to this list, please contact Terra Mathers at terra.mathers@brisd.net or by calling 972-752-5554.

I was invited to an admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee meeting. Whom should I expect to be at the meeting?

     Resources:

• Admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee members– Legal Framework
• Admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee members – Legal Framework
• Parent’s Guide to the ARD Process:  Admission, Review, and Dismissal Committee Meeting (English) – page 4
• Guía Para Padres del Proceso de Admisión, Repaso, y Retiro – page 4
• The New IDEA 2016 Manual – page 43 - 44
• Parent Companion:  Who is on your Child’s ARD Committee

What should I expect to occur at the ARD committee meeting?

     Resources:

• Admission, Review, and Dismissal Committee Meeting – Legal Framework
• Parent’s Guide to the ARD Process:  Individualized Education Program (English) page 4
• Guía Para Padres del Proceso de Admisión, Repaso, y Retiro – Programa de Educación Individualizado pg 4
• The New IDEA 2016 Manual  - page 45

What if I disagree with the ARD committee’s recommendations?

      Resources:  

• Recessing and Reconvening a Meeting – Legal Framework
• Parent’s Guide to the ARD Process:  ARD Committee Decision – page 10 - 11
• Guía Para Padres del Proceso de Admisión, Repaso, y Retiro:  Decisión Comité de ARD - page 11
• Notice of Procedural Safeguards - Legal Framework– English:  page 11
• Aviso Sobre Procedimientos de Protección - Legal Framework – Spanish:  page 12
• Texas Education Agency Special Education Dispute Resolution Systems Handbook – March 2017

What do all of these acronyms mean?

       Resources:

• Glossary of Acronyms - Texas Education Agency - Texas.gov

What are my child’s rights when being disciplined for behavioral incidents?

      Resources:

• The Legal Framework ESC 18: Discipline Procedures
• Parent’s Guide to the ARD Process:  Discipline – pages 14-16
• Guía Para Padres del Proceso de Admisión, Repaso, y Retiro:  Discipline- pages 15-17
• Notice of Procedural Safeguards - Legal Framework - English Discipline Procedures – pages 4 - 6
• Aviso Sobre Procedimientos de Protección - Legal Framework :  Discipline Procedures – pages 6-10

When must an ARD committee meeting be held to address discipline?

      Resources:

• Parent’s Guide to the ARD Process:  Discipline – pages 14- 16
• Guía Para Padres del Proceso de Admisión, Repaso, y Retiro :  Discipline – pages 15-17
• Notice of Procedural Safeguards - Legal Framework (English):  Discipline Procedures – pages 4-6
• Aviso Sobre Procedimientos de Protección - Legal Framework:  Discipline Procedures – pages 5-10

What happens at a manifestation determination ARD?

      Resources:

• Manifestation Determination – Legal Framework
• Parent’s Guide to the ARD Process:  Discipline - Manifestation Determination – pages 15-16
• Guía Para Padres del Proceso de Admisión, Repaso, y Retiro:  Discipline – Manifestation Determination – pages 6-7

What if I disagree with the school sending my child to an alternative placement?

      Resources:

• Parent’s Guide to the ARD Process:  Expedited Due Process Hearing – page 16 >(English) page - 16
• Guía Para Padres del Proceso de Admisión, Repaso, y Retiro - Audiencia de Debido Proceso Acelerada – page 17
• Texas Education Agency Special Education Dispute Resolution Systems Handbook – March 2017

I want to have my child (under 3 years old) evaluated for a disability.   Who do I call?

LifePath Systems
ECI of LifePath Systems
1515 Heritage Drive
McKinney, TX 75069
Referral Number - (972) 562-0331   
Fax Number - (972) 359-1119
Email: khartwick@lifepathsystems.org
Web: www.lifepathsystems.org

     Resources:

• Contact the Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Services in your area.
• ECI Referral | Texas Health and Human Services
• If you do not know where to find the number in your area,  call the special education department at your local school district
• Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Service - ECI Program

I want a special education evaluation for my child who is between the ages of 3-22.    What can I do?

      Resources:

• Parent’s Guide to the ARD Process:  Referral for Initial Evaluation – page 2
• Guía Para Padres del Proceso de Admisión, Repaso, y Retiro:  Referral for Initial Evaluation – page 2

My child attends a non-profit private school/home school.   Who is responsible for evaluating my child for special education?

      Resources:

• Child Find Duty – Legal Framework
• Parentally-placed in Private Schools

I have requested a special education evaluation, but haven’t heard anything yet from the school.  What should I expect?

      Resources:

• Evaluation Procedures – Legal Framework
• Parent’s Guide to the ARD Process:  Initial Evaluation – page 3
• Guía Para Padres del Proceso de Admisión, Repaso, y Retiro:  Initial Evaluation – page 3

What are the least restrictive environment (LRE) requirements of Part B of IDEA 2004?

      Resources:

• Least Restrictive Environment  - Legal Framework
• The Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) - Progress in the General ... - Region 20 (Question #1)

What does “maximum extent appropriate” mean?

      Resources:

• LEA ARD Committee
• Least Restrictive Environment  - Legal Framework
• The Least Restrictive Environment Question and Answer Document - Region 20 (Question #2)

What types of settings are offered for the LRE?

Note: Blue Ridge ISD partners with the FCSSA to provide special education services, therefore certain classroom settings are offered at the FCSSA central location of Bonham ISD. 

      Resources:

      See this link for examples: Continuum of Alternative Placements – Legal Framework

I need to file a complaint because I couldn’t resolve the issue locally.   What do I need to do?

Blue Ridge ISD Board Policy FNG(Local) outlines the complaint process for the district.  This question directly relates to issues that cannot be resolved utilizing the district's complaint process.   

      Resources:

• Special Education Complaints Process - Texas Education Agency
• Notice of Procedural Safeguards - Legal Framework page 13
• Guía Para Padres del Proceso de Admisión, Repaso, y Retiro – page 17
• Texas Education Agency Special Education Dispute Resolution Systems Handbook – March 2017
• Frequently Asked Questions About TEA Complaints

How do I request a facilitated IEP team meeting?

      Resources:

• Notice of Procedural Safeguards - Legal Framework – pages 12-13
• Guía Para Padres del Proceso de Admisión, Repaso, y Retiro – page 12
• Texas Education Agency Special Education Dispute Resolution Systems Handbook – March 2017

I think my child has dyslexia and I want an assessment completed.  S/He does not currently receive special education services.   What do I need to do?

Note: It is the practice of Blue Ridge ISD to offer a Full Individual Evaluation (FIE) to parents who request a dyslexia evaluation.

      Resources:

• The Dyslexia  Handbook - 2018 Update:  Procedures Concerning Dyslexia and Related Disorders
• Dyslexia Information – Region 10 Education Service Center – Statewide Lead for Dyslexia
• Dyslexia Resources – Region 10 Education Service Center – Statewide Lead for Dyslexia
• Technology Integration for Students with Dyslexia
• Dyslexia Frequently Asked Questions - Texas Education Agency - March 2019
• Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia in the Individualized Education Program

My child does have an IEP and I want a dyslexia assessment.

       Resources:

• Contact the Campus Administrator, case management, or diagnostician in writing to discuss specific nature of your request
• Dyslexia Services – The Legal Framework
• Dyslexia Handbook - Texas.gov
• Manual Sobre La Dislexia–Modificado 2014: Procedimientos sobre la dislexia y trastornos relacionados - Español - with tabs  (PDF, outside source)
• Manual Sobre La Dislexia–Modificado 2014: Procedimientos sobre la dislexia y trastornos relacionados - Español - without tabs  (PDF, outside source)

What is the difference between 504 and special education?

       Resources

• Protecting Students With Disabilities - US Department of Education

       Federal and State Regulations

• Texas Education Agency - 19 TAC Chapter 74 – 74.28(a-g)

What is the timeline for the initial evaluation process?

       Resources:

• Evaluation Procedures - The Legal Framework ESC 18 – Initial Evaluation

What is a review of existing evaluation data (REED)?

       Resources:

• Review of Existing Evaluation Data Frequently Asked Questions - TEA
• Review of Existing Evaluation Data – The Legal Framework
• Review of Existing Evaluation Data (REED) | Texas Project FIRST

When must a reevaluation be conducted?

       Resources:

• Evaluation Procedures – Legal Framework: Procedures –Reevaluations

Who conducts a review of existing evaluation data (REED)?

       Resources:

• Review of Existing Evaluation Data Frequently Asked Questions (TEA) - FAQ #3
• Review of Existing Evaluation Data - The Legal Framework ESC 18:
• Parent’s Guide to the ARD Process:  Reevaluation
• Guía Para Padres del Proceso de Admisión, Repaso, y Retiro: Reevaluación

Is an ARD committee meeting required when conducting a REED?

       Resources:

• Review of Existing Evaluation Data Frequently Asked Questions (TEA) – FAQ #4
• Review of Existing Evaluation Data – The Legal Framework
• Parent’s Guide to the ARD Process:  Reevaluation – page 12
• Guía Para Padres del Proceso de Admisión, Repaso, y Retiro: Reevaluación – page 12

Is parental consent required before conducting a REED?

       Resources:

• Review of Existing Evaluation Data Frequently Asked Questions (TEA)- FAQ #5

What information is reviewed when a REED is conducted?

       Resources:

• Review of Existing Evaluation Data Frequently Asked Questions  (TEA)– FAQ #6
• Review of Existing Evaluation Data -- The Legal Framework ESC 18

What if the group conducting a REED concludes that no additional data are needed?

       Resources:

• Review of Existing Evaluation Data Frequently Asked Questions (TEA) – FAQ #7
• Review of Existing Evaluation Data – The Legal Framework

What if the group conducting a REED concludes that additional data are needed?

       Resources:

• Review of Existing Evaluation Data Frequently Asked Questions (TEA) – FAQ #8
• Review of Existing Evaluation Data – The Legal Framework

What is the timeline for conducting an ARD meeting following a reevaluation?

      Resources:

• Review of Existing Evaluation Data Frequently Asked Questions (TEA) – FAQ #10

What is the timeline for conducting an ARD meeting following a reevaluation?

       Resources:

• Review of Existing Evaluation Data Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ #10

What is ESY and how does my child qualify?

      Resources:

• Parent’s Guide to the ARD Process:  Reevaluation – page 10
• Guía Para Padres del Proceso de Admisión, Repaso, y Retiro: Reevaluación – page 10
• Extended School Year Services – The Legal Framework

How do I know what graduation plan my child needs to be on?

       Resources:

• Graduation – The Legal Framework
• Graduation Guidance - Texas Education Agency
• State Graduation Requirements - Texas Education Agency - Texas.gov
• House Bill 5: Foundation High School Program ... - Region 11
• Graduation Toolkit - Texas Education Agency

Can my child earn endorsements if s/he has a modified curriculum?

       Resources:

• Graduation – The Legal Framework
• Graduation Guidance - Texas Education Agency
• State Graduation Requirements - Texas Education Agency - Texas.gov
• House Bill 5: Foundation High School Program ... - Region 11
• Graduation Toolkit - Texas Education Agency

I believe that my child’s school is not following the IEP.   What can I do?

       Resources/Options:

• Contact your child's Campus Administrator
• Notice of Procedural Safeguards – The Legal Framework – English (Resolving Disagreements)
• Aviso Sobre Procedimientos de Protección – The Legal Framework - Spanish Resolviendo Desacuerdos
• Special Education Dispute Resolution Processes - TEA
• TEA:  Special Education Dispute Resolution System Handbook

My child is failing classes.   What can I do?

The first step when any student is failing a class is to reach out to the teacher of that class and ask what can be done to bring your child's grade up to passing.  Please note that Blue Ridge ISD allows students to make up assignments.  See the Blue Ridge ISD Student Handbook for more information.

       Resources/Options:

• Request ARD Committee Meeting
• Supplementary aids and services – The Legal Framework
• Supplementary Aids and Service | Texas Project FIRST

What are supplementary aids and services?

       Resources/Option:

• SUPPLEMENTARY AIDS AND SERVICES, SPECIAL EDUCATION, RELATED SERVICES -

      The Legal Framework

• Parent/Teacher Conference
• Parent’s Guide to the ARD Process:  Special Education , Related Services, and Supplementary Aids and Services – page 7
• Guía Para Padres del Proceso de Admisión, Repaso, y Retiro – page 7-8

How often will I get progress reports on my child’s IEP?

       Resources/Option:

• Refer to ARD Document
• Grading and Progress Monitoring for Students with ... - Region One

What accommodations are allowable on the state assessments?

     Resources:

• State and Districtwide Assessments  –  The Legal Framework

      Federal and State Regulations:

• 34 CFR 300.160 - Participation in assessments. | US Law | LII / Legal ... 300.160 (a) – (c) 
• TEC 39.023(b)
• 89.1055(b)
• Chapter 101, Subchapter AA - Texas Education Agency -19 TAC 101.1003(c)
• Texas Education Agency - 19 TAC Chapter 101 - 101.1005(e)

What are the eligibility requirements for STAAR-ALT 2 (the alternative standardized state assessment, designed to fit the student’s cognitive level)?

      Resources:

• STAAR Alternate 2 Resources - Texas Education Agency - Texas.gov
•  State and Districtwide Assessments  - The Legal Framework
• (English version, PDF revised 08/25/16)
• Assessment Participation Requirements for Students Receiving ...
• Participation Requirements (Spanish version, PDF revised 08/25/16)

      Federal and State Regulations:

• Texas Education Agency - 19 TAC Chapter 101- TAC 101.27(b)

What happens if my child doesn’t pass the state assessment?

      Resources:

• STATE AND DISTRICTWIDE ASSESSMENTS  - Legal Framework
• SUPPLEMENTARY AIDS AND SERVICES, SPECIAL EDUCATION, RELATED SERVICE – Accelerated Instruction
• Accelerated Instruction and Intensive Programs of Instruction for ... TEA

      Federal and State Regulations:

• 19 TAC Chapter 89, Subchapter AA - Texas Education Agency - TEC 28.0211(a-e)
• education code chapter 39. public school system accountability – TEC 39.021
• Texas Education Code - EDUC - EDUC § 28.0213 | FindLaw - TEC 28.0213(e) 
• 19 TAC Chapter 89, Subchapter AA - Texas Education Agency - -89.1050(a)(10)
• Texas Education Code - EDUC - EDUC § 28.0211 | FindLaw  - TEC 28.011(i)(1)(2)

What are the state requirements for transition planning?

      Resources:

• Texas Transitions: Student-Centered Transitions Network