Texas Senate Bill SB927

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to a special education recovery program operated by the Texas Education Agency.

Impact

The program specifically targets school districts that demonstrated a significant decline in the percentage of students receiving special education services as of the 2016-2017 school year. The criteria for designating a district for the program include a decrease of at least 200 students receiving services or an enrollment rate drop of 75% compared to earlier years. The bill empowers the Texas Education Agency to arrange the reevaluation of students who request it and to ensure that students found eligible for special education get the necessary support and resources.

Summary

Senate Bill 927 establishes a Special Education Recovery Program administered by the Texas Education Agency. The primary focus of this new legislation is to identify students who were denied special education services between the school years 2004-2005 and 2016-2017 due to a performance indicator used by the agency. This performance-based monitoring analysis system evaluated the percentage of students receiving special education services within public schools, potentially leading to the under-provision of necessary services. Through this bill, the agency is required to inform eligible students and their parents of their right to request reevaluation for special education services.

Contention

Although the bill aims to address gaps in special education services, it may face scrutiny regarding its implementation and funding. It stipulates that the program be operated using federal funds available for statewide special education activities. This approach raises questions about the sustainability of the program and its ability to accommodate the needs of all eligible students in the designated districts. Furthermore, the bill specifies that those aged 21 or older will not receive notifications about their eligibility, potentially leaving older students without critical support.