ARD vs. IEP: What's the difference in Texas?

If your child's school says "ARD meeting" and a parent resource says "IEP meeting," you may wonder whether you need to prepare for two different things. The terms are closely connected.

In Texas, ARD stands for Admission, Review, and Dismissal. The ARD committee is the team that makes special education decisions. The IEP, or individualized education program, is the written plan developed for a student who qualifies for special education. The committee meets to develop or review that plan.

Why do people use both terms?

Texas uses the name ARD committee for the team commonly called the IEP team elsewhere. When someone refers to an "IEP meeting," they may be describing the kind of meeting your Texas school calls an ARD meeting. TEA's ARD overview explains this connection.

The meeting's purpose still matters. It may address eligibility, review an existing IEP, or consider changes to your child's support. Ask the school what it plans to discuss so you know which questions to bring.

What is the ARD committee's role?

Parents are members of the ARD committee, alongside school staff. The committee considers information about the student and makes decisions about special education and related services. It creates or updates the IEP for an eligible student. SPEDTex's guide to ARD committee meetings describes how families and school staff work together.

Your observations can help connect school reports to everyday life. For example, you might explain that your child understands a reading assignment when discussing it aloud but needs substantial help completing the written response. Describe what you notice and ask how the team will consider that concern.

What should I look for in the IEP?

The IEP explains your child's current performance, annual goals, services and supports, and how progress will be measured and reported. These pieces should connect to your child's individual needs. TEA's IEP development guide provides more detail about these sections.

When reviewing the paperwork, follow one concern through the plan. If writing is difficult, ask where that need is described, which goal or support addresses it, and how you will hear about progress. This can make a long document easier to understand.

Three questions to help connect the meeting and the plan

• What are we meeting to decide about my child's education?
• Where will that decision appear in the IEP?
• How will I know whether the agreed support is helping?

You do not need to learn every abbreviation before you can participate. If someone uses a term you do not recognize, ask for an explanation in everyday language and an example of what it means for your child.

For help before the meeting, read our ARD preparation guide. For a walkthrough of the discussion, see what to expect at an ARD meeting.

Need help understanding your child's plan?

I help families organize their questions, understand school documents, and take part in ARD meetings. JEM Advocates serves Katy and the greater Houston area, with meeting support commonly provided through Zoom.

Book a free consultation to talk about the support you need. You can also read about our advocacy services, including attendance at your child's ARD, or browse the parent FAQ.