For What is an ARD Case Manager Responsible?
According to state and federal guidelines, students who receive special education services are required to go through an educational assessment called Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD). ARD committees appoint a case manager to oversee the student progress. In some school districts, ARD case managers are called Individualized Education Program (IEP) case managers.
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Features
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ARD case managers are responsible for ensuring that the student who qualifies for an IEP or special education services under Section 504 receive services. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination based on disability to students with disabilities. The case manager works with parents, the student's non-special education teachers, school administration and professional staff (social workers, speech language pathologists) to make sure IEP requirements are met.
Identification
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Under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), No Child Left Behind and state board of education rules, school districts are required to provide supplemental education opportunities for children in special education programs. Special education departments within school districts create the job responsibilities for ARD case managers to ensure student progress is made.
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Benefits
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In many school districts, the student's special education teacher serves as the ARD case manager. In some cases, speech language pathologists and educational diagnosticians take on the role. Since students interact with their teacher more frequently than other professional staff, the teacher can closely monitor student progress and swiftly consult the ARD chair if changes occur.
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References
- Northside Independent School District: Glossary of Special Education Terms
- Kent County Public Schools: Glossary of Terms
- United States Department of Education: Frequently Asked Questions About Section 504 and the Education of Children with Disabilities
- Baltimore City Public Schools: IEP Case Manager Job Description
- Photo Credit boy in the school image by Vasiliy Koval from Fotolia.com
