TEXAS Releases its 'Corrective Action Response' for Special Education Programs

Over the last year and a half, Texas Education Agency has acknowledged gaps in services for students with learning disabilities and has recently submitted a plan to correct and improve public school practices in its Special Education Programs. Families of children with learning disabilities should understand how their child might have been impacted and how future plans will affect their child's learning environment.

The TEA released the 42-page draft strategic plan after a 15-month federal investigation concluded Texas had not been providing kids with disabilities the tools and services they needed to learn, likely failing to educate thousands of students and violating federal law. Federal officials found the state was effectively incentivizing school districts to keep their special education numbers low and that many teachers fundamentally misunderstood the legal requirements around educating kids with disabilities. (Update, April 26: The TEA released its finalized plan on April 24, taken Texas Tribune.)

The final version of the plan comes after months of draft proposals and feedback sessions with parents, educators, education advocates and students. The state is aiming to repair a decade-old practice that drastically reduced the number of students receiving special education services. TEA officials have repeatedly said the 8.5 percent benchmark was not a cap but an “indicator of performance.” But in practice, districts used the number as a cap, the Department of Education found, and denied or delayed services for children across the state ( taken from alejandra.matos@chron.com).

 

Educational Consulting - Students With Learning Disabilities

  Complimentary Presentation

   For Parents only - Tues., May 19th - 6:00—7:30 pm

     5900 Southwest Pkwy, Austin, Texas 78735

Please RSVP (limited seating)  - pnehme@myeduadvisor.com

Parents, counselors and advisors play a pivotal role in readying students challenged by learning disabilities for college and career. This workshop identifies sequential steps in which parents and professionals can maximize college and career guidance for optimal student outcomes. Content will cover the foundational importance of fostering student and parent self-awareness; developing and implementing a transition plan that optimizes student’s preparation for post-secondary pursuits; advocating for reasonable testing accommodations; evaluating college choices based on academic and social supports, and orienting students for Freshman Year.

 Patricia will also provide this presentation at NACAC Critical Components in Austin, May 28th, for college admission professionals.