Texas Illegally Excluded Thousands from Special Education, Federal Officials Say

Texas has been denying therapy, tutoring and counselling to tens of thousands of children that have disabilities. A target level has been set for the maximum number of students that will receive the special education services. The Federal regulatory claimed that this violated the federal laws.

It was also found out that the schools did not train teachers to find out if students qualified for special education or not.

A letter issued by the Federal regulatory is sent to the state. The letter orders the state to design a new plan that will cater to those children that have long been neglected by schools. Corrective actions need to be taken as soon as possible.

Educational Secretary, Ms. Betsy DeVos said, “Every child with a disability must have appropriate access to special education and related services that meet his or her unique needs. Far too many students in Texas had been precluded from receiving supports and services.”

However, the state denies any such allegations, claiming that no child has been inappropriately kept out of special education.

Mr. Abbott, a Republican, had ordered the educational officials to draft the plan within a week time. Mike Morath, Education Commissioner said that the state has hired additional special education workers and will increase resources for parents.