What to do if your child's IEP is not being followed in Texas

It can be upsetting to hear that your child may not be receiving the support you discussed at an ARD meeting. You may wonder what to ask, who to contact, or how to tell whether the plan is being followed.

The school is responsible for providing the services and supports in your child's individualized education program, or IEP. SPEDTex's implementation guidance explains that responsibility. A useful place to begin is comparing the current plan with the specific concern you have noticed.

Start with the current IEP

Find the most recent IEP and any amendments. Locate the service, accommodation, or support connected to your concern. Check the wording, start date, frequency, and any conditions describing when it applies. If you are unsure which document is current, ask the school for a copy.

For example, if the plan allows extra time on certain assignments, compare that wording with the assignment you are concerned about. Ask how the accommodation was provided. A low grade alone does not tell you whether the support was used or whether the plan needs adjustment.

Keep a simple record

Write down what happened while the details are fresh. Separate what you observed from what your child reported and what still needs clarification. Keep relevant assignments, progress reports, and messages together.

For each concern, note:

• The date, class or activity, and the IEP provision involved.
• What you observed or were told, including how it affected your child.
• Who you contacted, what they said, and any agreed next step.

For instance: "On October 8, my child said the assignment closed before they could finish. The IEP includes extra time for this type of work. I emailed the teacher to ask how that time was made available." This gives the school a specific question to investigate.

Ask the school for clarification in writing

Contact the teacher or staff member responsible for the support. If you have already tried that without resolving the concern, include the principal or special education director. SPEDTex's communication guide can help you identify who to contact.

You could write:

"I'm concerned about how [service or accommodation] in [child's name]'s IEP is being provided. The plan states [relevant wording]. On [date], [briefly describe what happened]. Could you explain how this support was provided and share any relevant records? If it was missed, please explain how it will be addressed. When can we follow up?"

Request an ARD meeting when needed

If the concern continues or the team needs to discuss your child's support, you can request an ARD committee meeting. Put the request in writing and list the issues you want addressed. You can ask for a meeting before the next annual review; TEA's parent overview describes this right.

Bring the relevant IEP pages, your notes, and a few focused questions:

• How is this part of the IEP being carried out and documented?
• If support was missed, how did that affect my child and what is needed to address it?
• Who will handle each next step, and when will we review progress?

Our ARD preparation guide can help you organize the discussion. If you would like someone alongside you, read about bringing an advocate to an ARD meeting.

Follow up on what was agreed

After a call or meeting, send a short summary of your understanding and ask the school to correct anything you misunderstood. Keep track of the agreed actions and follow-up date. If the IEP was changed, request the updated document.

Ask how any missed support and its effect on your child will be addressed. The appropriate response depends on the circumstances and your child's needs; avoid assuming that every situation has the same remedy.

Know where to find additional help

Texas offers several special education dispute resolution options, including mediation, IEP facilitation, complaint investigations, and due process hearings. TEA's overview explains that special education concerns follow a separate process from general education complaints.

If you believe special education requirements were violated, review TEA's special education complaint process. Different options have different requirements and deadlines. Seek guidance promptly rather than assuming informal discussions pause those deadlines. SPEDTex can help you understand the available options.

Would you like help organizing your next step?

I help Katy and Houston-area families understand IEP documents, prepare questions, and communicate their concerns during ARD meetings. Book a free consultation to talk about the support you need, or explore our advocacy services.