Parent Questions
The questions parents ask me most.
These are the real questions Houston-area families bring to me about special education, evaluations, ARD and IEP meetings, and their rights as parents. If your question isn't here, call or text me at (361) 655-0998. Consultations are always free.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Every child and every district is different.
Eligibility and Evaluation
How do I know if my child qualifies for special education?
A child may qualify if they have a disability that affects their educational performance and they need specially designed instruction. Eligibility is determined through a comprehensive evaluation conducted by the school, with parent consent.
Can I request an evaluation?
Yes. Parents can submit a written request to the school asking for an evaluation if they suspect their child has a disability.
What happens during an evaluation?
The evaluation may include academic testing, observations, speech and language assessments, psychological testing, and input from parents and teachers. The specific assessments depend on the child's needs.
What if I disagree with the evaluation results?
Parents can request an explanation, ask for additional assessments, or request an independent educational evaluation (IEE) under certain circumstances.
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
In Texas, the meeting where the IEP is developed and reviewed is called the ARD meeting, short for Admission, Review and Dismissal. You may hear both terms used.
What is an IEP?
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legal document that outlines your child's present levels of performance, annual goals, services, accommodations, and how progress will be measured.
Who attends the IEP meeting?
Typically:
- Parents or guardians
- General education teacher
- Special education teacher
- School administrator or district representative
- Evaluation specialist (when appropriate)
- The student, when appropriate (especially as they get older)
Can I bring someone with me to the IEP meeting?
Yes. Parents may bring an advocate, family member, interpreter, therapist, or anyone with knowledge of the child.
How often is the IEP reviewed?
At least once a year, although parents or the school can request a meeting sooner if needed.
Services and Supports
What services can my child receive?
Services vary based on individual needs and may include:
- Specialized instruction
- Speech therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Counseling
- Behavioral supports
- Assistive technology
What are accommodations?
Accommodations change how a student learns without changing academic expectations. Examples include extended time, preferential seating, audiobooks, or frequent breaks.
What are modifications?
Modifications change what a student is expected to learn, such as reducing the complexity or amount of work.
Progress and Communication
How will I know if my child is making progress?
The school should provide regular progress reports describing progress toward IEP goals, often at the same time report cards are issued.
What if my child isn't meeting their IEP goals?
Parents can request an IEP meeting to discuss concerns, revise goals, adjust services, or consider additional supports.
How can I support my child at home?
- Maintain communication with teachers.
- Reinforce classroom skills through daily practice.
- Celebrate progress.
- Encourage self-advocacy.
- Follow through with recommended strategies.
Behavior
What if my child has challenging behaviors at school?
The IEP team may conduct a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and develop a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) to teach positive replacement behaviors.
Can my child be suspended?
Students with disabilities may be disciplined, but additional legal protections apply when behavior is related to their disability or the school's implementation of the IEP.
Inclusion and Placement
Will my child be in a general education classroom?
Schools must consider placement in the least restrictive environment (LRE), meaning students should learn alongside peers without disabilities to the maximum extent appropriate.
Can placement change?
Yes. Placement can change based on the student's needs, but decisions should be made by the IEP team, including the parents.
Parent Rights
What rights do parents have?
Parents have the right to:
- Participate in decisions
- Review educational records
- Receive prior written notice of proposed changes
- Consent to evaluations
- Request meetings
- Resolve disagreements through mediation or due process
Can I request another IEP meeting?
Yes. Parents do not have to wait until the annual review.
Transition Planning
When does transition planning begin?
Transition planning generally begins by age 16 under federal law, although some states require it earlier.
What does transition planning include?
Plans may address:
- College
- Employment
- Independent living
- Vocational training
- Community participation
Practical Questions
Will my child always receive special education?
Not necessarily. Some students no longer need special education as they develop skills, while others receive services throughout their school years.
Does having an IEP mean my child is less capable?
No. An IEP identifies supports that help a student access education and make progress according to their individual needs.
Can my child participate in sports, clubs, and field trips?
Yes. Students with disabilities generally have the same opportunities to participate as their peers, with appropriate supports when needed.
What if my child is struggling emotionally?
Discuss your concerns with the school. Counseling services, social-emotional goals, behavioral supports, or referrals to community resources may be appropriate.
How can I communicate effectively with my child's school?
- Keep written records of important conversations.
- Ask questions when something is unclear.
- Share updates from home.
- Focus discussions on your child's needs and goals.
- Request follow-up summaries after meetings.
Questions you can ask during your meeting
Bring this list with you. These questions help build a productive conversation and make sure you understand exactly how the team plans to support your child.
- 1What strengths do you see in my child?
- 2What data supports these recommendations?
- 3How will progress be measured?
- 4How often will I receive updates?
- 5What strategies are working in the classroom?
- 6What accommodations are most effective?
- 7What can we do at home to reinforce learning?
- 8If my child doesn't make progress, what changes will be considered?
- 9How will this goal prepare my child for next year?
- 10Who is responsible for implementing each service?
Still have questions?
Every family's situation is different. Tell me what's going on and I'll help you figure out your next step, at no cost.