Immediate Steps at the ARD Table

• Do Not Sign "Agree": The ARD signature in Texas is binary—you either agree or disagree with the entire IEP. Do not sign as agreeing if you object to the placement.
• Mark "Disagree" and State It Aloud: Clearly mark the "Disagree" box on the paperwork and voice your objections during the meeting.
• Request a Recess: Ask the ARD committee to recess and reconvene within up to 10 school days to continue working on a solution.
• Submit a Written Statement: Provide a written statement of your disagreement on the same day so it is officially attached to the IEP and creates a legal record.

Dispute Resolution Options in Texas

If you and the school district cannot reach an agreement locally, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and support groups like Disability Rights Texas provide several formal pathways:
• State-Facilitated IEP/ARD Meeting: You and the district can request a trained, neutral facilitator from the TEA (through your local Education Service Center) to help guide communication during a reconvened ARD meeting. This must be requested within 5 days of the initial disagreement.
• Mediation: A free, voluntary, and confidential process where a neutral third-party mediator helps both parents and the school district reach a legally binding agreement.
• Special Education Complaint: You can file a written, signed complaint with the TEA if you believe the district violated state or federal special education laws (such as failing to provide a Free Appropriate Public Education - FAPE).
• Due Process Hearing: A formal legal proceeding initiated by filing a due process complaint regarding identification, evaluation, educational placement, or FAPE. Filing a due process complaint within specific timelines can trigger "stay-put" protections to keep your child in their current agreed-upon placement while the dispute is pending.

6 Options for Resolving an IEP Dispute

Partners Resource Network
https://prntexas.org › 6-options-for-resolving-an-iep-dis...
Jun 30, 2017 — If the IEP process isn't working, you can ask for mediation.

Partners Resource Network – Empowerment Through Education

https://prntexas.org

My 15 year old is in a program like that in Lewisville but it was a good fit for him. However, I will try to contact an advocate if possible. If you go online there are lots of paid ones in the area. There is also PRN network that has free parent advocates. You can get on their website. I have not tried it but I have read you can formally in writing request an outside educational evaluation at the district's expense as well if you strongly disagree with their findings.

https://prntexas.org/what-can-i-do-if-i-think-t...

What Can I Do if I Think the School’s Evaluation is Wrong?

https://prntexas.org/what-can-i-do-if-i-think-the-schools-evaluation-is-wrong/

https://prntexas.org/

Partners Resource Network – Empowerment Through Education

https://prntexas.org/