Nichole: I requested the records from the letter format provided on page 14 of the idea, and there it says if an ARD meeting is scheduled within 45 days or due process hearing that it can be postponed until I receive the records and understand the records. It also says I can take as much time as I need. I requested the list and just received it however they cancelled the meeting and rescheduled it before I received all of the records. I still haven’t received a couple of things and they told me because it’s an annual ARD and that they do have a deadline, that I have to attend this ARD. I told them I was under the understanding that I had time to review the records.
Is it true that I have to attend annual ARD or do I have the time that I need to review and understand the records?
My suggestion:
Agree to attend the meeting, but note that since you have not yet seen the records you are not a fully informed participant. Refuse to agree to anything since you have not seen the records. Make sure that the fact you have not seen the records after a request makes it to the meeting notes.
When the annual ARD/IEP meeting is held, you should attend. However, the school does not have to hold the meeting before the annual deadline. Read Mr. Wright’s summary of a court case that addresses this issue. https://www.wrightslaw.com/law/art/dougc.hawaii.pwanalysis.htm I work for the TX parent training & information project. We can provide you with information & support. http://www.partnerstx.org