More than 7.5 million students rely on public school special education to reach their full potential. These programs are designed to help kids with disabilities succeed. But when schools fail to provide the necessary support, students with special needs are the ones who pay the price. They struggle academically, emotionally, and socially. Worse, instead of getting the help they deserve, many face unfair punishments.
Navigating special education can be challenging for parents, especially in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (DFW) Metroplex. The Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm can step in to ensure your child gets the education and support required by law. Call us at 888.535.3686or fill out our confidential consultation form. We fight for your child to get a fair shot.
Understanding Special Education Rights
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), children with disabilities are entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Schools kept mistaking disability-related behaviors for bad behavior—IDEA made sure students got help, not unfair punishment. Public schools are required to provide services that meet the unique needs of each child. In Texas, special education rules are established by the State Board of Education (SBOE) and the Education Commissioner.
It's important for parents to stay on top of what's really happening at school and, when necessary, to seek legal assistance. Some overworked teachers or administrators may quickly label your child. But you know your child best. A threshold issue is making sure that your child has been properly identified both as to needing special ed and as to the type of special ed needed—and that can take time.
What Does Special Education Look Like?
Special education isn't one-size-fits-all—it's tailored to each child's needs. For some, it means leaving the regular classroom for specialized reading help. For others, it's extra support from a special ed teacher right in their general education class. And some students thrive in self-contained classrooms with customized instruction in life skills, functional academics, and speech.
Dallas-Fort Worth School Districts
The DFW metroplex is home to many school districts, each offering different resources.
Highland Park Independent School District (HPISD)
HPISD is known for its academic excellence. The district has high per capita incomes and an educated population. In 2018, University Park was the second wealthiest city in the United States.
The district includes seven schools, including Highland Park High School and John S. Armstrong Elementary School. The HPISD special education guidelines provide examples of services for children who meet eligibility:
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Adapted Physical Education
- Vision Services
- Audiological Services
- Transportation
- Transition Planning
- Counseling
- Music Therapy
But the question arises: who determines whether your child is eligible and if so, the best types of services?
Westover Hills and Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD)
FWISD includes schools such as Arlington Heights High,Benbrook Middle-High, McClean Middle, Burton Hills Elementary, Tanglewood Elementary, and many others.
FWISD has a Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA) created to advocate for children living in the FWISD area. Guidelines state: “Our group includes parents, teachers, administrators, and other community members. We are advocates for children who are, could, or should receive special education services or academic accommodations through FWISD.”
Winning the Special Education Battle
Here's how to ensure your child gets the services they need:
- Understand the Evaluation Process: Schools must assess students suspected of having disabilities. Get familiar with the process to ensure this is done properly.
- Develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP): An IEP sets forth the services and accommodations your child will receive. It isn't just a document; it's a battle plan. It's where you lay it all out—strengths, struggles, goals. Once a year, you sharpen it, refine it, make sure the system sees your kid the way you do.
- Track Progress: Keep tabs on how things are going with the IEP. If it's not helping, request a meeting to get it adjusted.
- Get Legal Help: If things get messy or you feel your child's rights are being ignored, reach out to a special ed lawyer who knows the ropes.
Your child deserves a fair chance. We fight to make that happen.
Special Education Advocacy Done Right—The Lento Law Firm
We fight relentlessly to secure your child's educational rights:
- Strategic Advocates: We know when to push and when to negotiate. Our team reads the room, understands the school's stance, and crafts solutions that protect your child's rights. We stay sharp, calm, and committed to getting the best outcome.
- Personalized Advocacy: No two students are the same, and neither are their educational challenges. We take the time to understand your child's unique needs, ensuring every step we take aligns with their best interests and future success.
- Fighting for Families Nationwide: Our team understands federal and state special education laws and fights for your child's rights—no matter where you are.
- Adaptive Legal Strategies: Special education laws evolve, and so do we. We stay ahead of policy changes, ensuring your child remains protected and receives the services they're entitled to, even when the rules shift.
Every family's journey is different. We're here to listen, guide, and support you without judgment—because advocating for your child should never be a battle you fight alone.
The Lento Law Firm: Your Child is Our Priority
Advocating for a child with special needs in the DFW Metroplex involves understanding federal and State laws, local school district policies, and effective strategies. The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team knows the ins and outs of special education law. Call us at 888.535.3686or fill out our confidential consultation form. When the stakes are high, we stand firm and fight for you.
