ARD Committee

Case Study of Lacy LopezNovember 28, 2006

presented and acted out by:Christina DePauw, Cassie Fredendall, Laurie Hill, Katie Reich,

Sylvia Tellez, Monica Thorpe, Sheila Waterman

A: Admission

R: Review

D: Dismissal

Coffee Break Based on the information provided, do you agree

that Lacy should not qualify for Special Education services? Why or why not?

What do you feel is the core problem Lacy is struggling with?

Speaking from one of the character’s points of view, what would you recommend or do for Lacy to help her succeed in learning?

After the ARD Upon hearing each character’s point of view,

which do you relate to the most? The least? Why?

How effectively do you think Special Education testing really “tests” the developmental level of a child?

How far can a school go without overstepping the boundary between home life and academic concerns? How has this boundary changed in recent years? Why?

Recommendations Teacher implements a health unit on oral hygiene

and nutrition in collaboration with the school nurse

Counselor gives mother a list of resources available to her family pertaining to her financial situation, etc.

Teacher has Lacy sit near the front of the classroom to minimize distractions; breaks instruction into smaller chunks; has Lacy dictate some assignments

Conclusion Having seen a sample ARD, or based on

actual ARDs you have attended, what are your first impressions or thoughts? Do you think the ARD process fully services the

child? What benefits do you see in the ARD process

as a whole? What areas would you improve?

Our Sources Interviews with:

Peggy Bennett, counselor, Elliott Elementary Alba Castaneda, diagnostician, Lively Elementary Carrie Cole, teacher, Elliott Elementary Nancy Friemel, teacher, Elliott Elementary Liz Pacheco, Vice-Principal, Elliott Elementary Cissi Rice, Special Services, Elliott Elementary Sandy Thomas, Special Services, Elliott Elementary

Texas Education Agency, ARD manual, 2006-2007, http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/admin/sdaa/ardtrain/ARD_manual0607.pdf

Texas Education Code, www.tea.state.tx.us/