Learn what special education is and how it works. Special education provides services and supports to help students with disabilities learn and succeed in school. To receive services, a student goes through a process that includes an evaluation and a meeting with the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee. If the ARD committee determines the student is eligible as a student with a disability, the committee creates an individualized education program (IEP) that explains the student’s goals and the services and supports the school will provide. The team meets at least once each year to review progress and update the plan.