An ARD is an acronym for Admission, Review and Dismissal. It is a meeting of a group of people who help to determine whether or not a student is eligible for special education due to a disability and a need for specially designed instruction. The ARD committee is usually made up of a special education teacher, a general education teacher, a campus administrator, the diagnostician, speech and language pathologist or school psychologist, a staff member representing any related services the child might require, and of course, the parents and the student when appropriate. The ARD meeting is somewhat formal, and the purpose of the meeting is for the team members to create an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that is educationally appropriate for the child. The IEP is a document that outlines the goals and services provided to a child with special needs in order to ensure their success in school. The ARD process can be confusing, but it is important to remember that parents are equal members of the team and have a right to ask questions, share their concerns, and provide input into their child’s education.