special education — Blog

A Thank You to the Press from Texans for Special Education Reform

The news media plays an essential role in holding government accountable in a free society. As parents, teachers, allies, and advocates for children with disabilities in Texas, we appreciate the journalists and news media outlets whose work has helped expose the impacts that government policies and budgets have on these most…

Discipline or State Sanctioned Child Abuse: The Ugly Truth About Seclusion and Restraint

The US Department of Education Office for Civil Rights recently released the results of the 2015-16 Civil Rights Data Collection. Civil Rights Data Collection provides information on several key education and civil rights issues. In preparing the 2015-16 report, data was collected from every public school and school district in the country. Part of the data collected reveals the disproportionate rate at which students with disabilities are subjected to harsh disciplinary actions in our public schools (see data highlights from this most recent report here). As you read these statistics, keep in mind students with disabilities covered under the IDEA represent only 12% of all public school students.

TxSER Statement Regarding Governor's Firearm Safety Plan

The bottom line is that mental health services cost money. If Texas lawmakers are serious about improving mental health services as a method to reduce gun violence, they must…

The 411 on the IEP

I'm sure you are familiar with the old parental lament, "If only kids came with an instruction manual!" Wishful thinking, right? Or is it? What if parents could work together with a team of …

BlogChristine BroughalApril 30, 2018special education, IEP, ARD

TxSER Public Statement Regarding Judge Brister's Comments

As parents, educators and advocates for Texas children with disabilities, Texans for Special Education Reform is outraged to learn that Texas Public School Finance Commissioner Chair, Justice Scott Brister, has questioned the value of educating what he termed “slow learners” in Texas.

We have another term....

Full Report Released for Houston ISD's Review of Special Education

Executive Summary

Houston Independent School District (HISD) contracted with American Institutes for Research® (AIR®) to conduct a third-party, independent “Special Education Program Review.” AIR conducted this review over a 10-month period between May 2017 and February 2018. This report describes our assessment of HISD’s strengths and areas in need of improvement with respect to its special education program, and identifies recommendations for HISD to consider as it continues its efforts to improve services for students with disabilities in the district.

We Are TxSER

Imagine a Texas in which all individuals with disabilities are identified and receive an education that maximizes their future potential for post-secondary education, employment, and independent living. That's the TxSER vision....

WELCOME

Welcome to Texans for Special Education Reform.

"Disability is a natural part of the human experience and in no way diminishes the rights of individuals to participate in or contribute to society. Improving educational results for children with disabilities is an essential element....