All parents want their children to succeed in school, and the parents of students with physical or intellectual disabilities are no exception. Under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, disabled children are entitled to a free public education that includes special education services. Schools must provide these services to children with disabilities so they can have the same opportunities as other students. Special education programs allow each child to achieve success through Individualized Education Plans, which provide lessons and support tailored to their individual needs. Although the law is clear on special education, some school districts have not complied or have not done enough, and children suffer as a result. In Texas, the Austin Independent School District (AISD), which serves over 73,000 students, has been under fire for problems with its special education program.

A Lack of Special Education in Austin Schools

According to a 2023 news report, the Texas Education Agency (TEA), which oversees public education in the state, received complaints that children were not receiving promised special education services from the AISD. The TEA investigated and found that the school district was not complying with the law. The TEA said that, among other issues, the school district was not promptly evaluating students for eligibility for special education and was not correctly setting up Individualized Education Plans.

The TEA ordered the AISD to improve its special education program and gave the district a plan to follow. When the school district did not fix the problems, the state gave it a second plan. The AISD was not able to fully implement this plan either, and the TEA threatened to place the district under conservatorship. A conservatorship involves the appointment of experts who take over the special education department and bring the district into compliance with the law, according to the news report.

Austin Schools Must Improve Special Education

The AISD and the TEA then worked together on a plan that would improve special education services and avoid conservatorship. Under the new plan, the TEA will appoint monitors who will determine whether the district is making progress within specified timeframes. The AISD must finish all pending eligibility evaluations for students who need special education and figure out how to help children whose evaluations were delayed, the news article said.

The monitors will also make sure the AISD sets up a goal-tracking system so the district will be aware of whether it is meeting the law's requirements for special education. The TEA can still appoint a conservator if the district does not comply, according to the news report.

If Your Child is Denied Special Education Services, You Need Legal Help

If your child's school is not providing necessary special education or is not offering the right kind of services, you should not feel powerless. You need to fight for your child's right to a good education, and the Lento Law Firm Team can help no matter where you are. The Education Law Team has experience helping students nationwide and is knowledgeable about the rights of children with disabilities. They can help you navigate the confusing world of school rules and policies and are not intimidated when an academic institution puts up a fight. Call us at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.