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Texas Special Education Report: 13 Takeaways for Texans

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Texas Special Education Report: 13 Takeaways for Texans
Language: English
Authors: David E. DeMatthews, Pedro Reyes, Jinseok Shin, Torri D. Hart, Texas Education Research Center
Source: Texas Education Research Center. 2025.
Availability: Texas Education Research Center. University of Texas at Austin, Pickle Research Campus, 10100 Burnet Road, Bldg #137 TCB, Rm 1.143A, L4500, Austin, TX 78758; Tel: 512-471-4528; Web site: https://texaserc.utexas.edu/
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 17
Publication Date: 2025
Sponsoring Agency: Department of Education (ED)
Intended Audience: Parents; Policymakers; Practitioners; Community
Document Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Descriptors: Students with Disabilities, Special Education, Program Implementation, Program Administration, Public Schools, Elementary Secondary Education, Educational Legislation, Federal Legislation, Equal Education, State Government, Government Role, Access to Education, Barriers, Racial Differences, Disability Identification, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Inclusion, Socioeconomic Influences, Academic Achievement, Eligibility, Graduation Rate, Special Education Teachers, Teacher Persistence, Charter Schools
Geographic Terms: Texas
Laws, Policies and Program Identifiers: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Abstract: To ensure students with disabilities receive the services they need to support their learning, the U.S. Congress reauthorized the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 2004. IDEA requires that each state: (1) implement IDEA with fidelity; (2) sustain special education programs that meet IDEA's educational standards; and (3) monitor special education effectively at the local- and state-levels. Annual determinations of IDEA implementation are made publicly available, but members of the public who are interested in assessing special education implementation can find navigating federal and state websites, legal jargon, and governmental data displays confusing or time intensive. This report was designed to provide accessible information to Texans who are also parents, journalists, policymakers, practitioners, community organizations, and other interested parties. Rather than assessing all aspects of IDEA implementation, this report focuses on critical areas relevant to traditional public schools serving students ages 5 through 21 in grades K through 12. Key areas of action are identified for Texans to support students with disabilities, after a year-long analysis of Texas special education data and in consultation with educators, administrators, disability rights advocates, and families of students with and without disabilities. The key areas are presented as the main findings and include data displays, discussion, and an explanation of why Texas policymakers should prioritize addressing areas of need in special education for traditional public schools. The report concludes with actionable items for the Texas Education Agency (TEA), traditional public school districts and charter management organizations, journalists, universities, families and community organizations, and the Texas legislature.
Abstractor: ERIC
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: ED677545
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:To ensure students with disabilities receive the services they need to support their learning, the U.S. Congress reauthorized the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 2004. IDEA requires that each state: (1) implement IDEA with fidelity; (2) sustain special education programs that meet IDEA's educational standards; and (3) monitor special education effectively at the local- and state-levels. Annual determinations of IDEA implementation are made publicly available, but members of the public who are interested in assessing special education implementation can find navigating federal and state websites, legal jargon, and governmental data displays confusing or time intensive. This report was designed to provide accessible information to Texans who are also parents, journalists, policymakers, practitioners, community organizations, and other interested parties. Rather than assessing all aspects of IDEA implementation, this report focuses on critical areas relevant to traditional public schools serving students ages 5 through 21 in grades K through 12. Key areas of action are identified for Texans to support students with disabilities, after a year-long analysis of Texas special education data and in consultation with educators, administrators, disability rights advocates, and families of students with and without disabilities. The key areas are presented as the main findings and include data displays, discussion, and an explanation of why Texas policymakers should prioritize addressing areas of need in special education for traditional public schools. The report concludes with actionable items for the Texas Education Agency (TEA), traditional public school districts and charter management organizations, journalists, universities, families and community organizations, and the Texas legislature.