Learn how special education works in Texas for families who are new to the state. Texas follows the same federal law as other states, but some names and processes may be different. Students who receive special education have an individualized education program (IEP), which is created by a team that includes parents and school staff. In Texas, this team is called the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee and meets at least once each year to plan how to support the student’s learning and growth.