Feds Investigate Houston ISD Over Plans to Segregate Students with Disabilities
The U.S. Department of Education has launched a civil rights investigation into the Houston Independent School District (HISD) regarding its plan to relocate students with disabilities to separate campuses. HISD administrators argue that centralizing special education services into contained settings will provide more focused, individualized attention and better instruction for these students. However, federal officials contend that the move may violate laws requiring students with disabilities to learn alongside non-disabled peers whenever possible. The Office of Civil Rights criticized the district for potentially implementing blanket policies that segregate students by disability category rather than making individualized placement decisions. Concerns from parents include lost social opportunities in general education classrooms and increased transportation challenges. This investigation adds pressure on HISD, which has been under state control since June 2023 due to poor academic performance and previous findings of systemic noncompliance with special education laws. To regain local control, the district must demonstrate compliance with state and federal regulations while improving academic outcomes.
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Feds Investigate Houston ISD Over Plans to Segregate Students with Disabilities
The U.S. Department of Education has launched a civil rights investigation into the Houston Independent School District (HISD) regarding its plan to relocate students with disabilities to separate campuses. HISD administrators argue that centralizing special education services into contained settings will provide more focused, individualized attention and better instruction for these students. However, federal officials contend that the move may violate laws requiring students with disabilities to learn alongside non-disabled peers whenever possible. The Office of Civil Rights criticized the district for potentially implementing blanket policies that segregate students by disability category rather than making individualized placement decisions. Concerns from parents include lost social opportunities in general education classrooms and increased transportation challenges. This investigation adds pressure on HISD, which has been under state control since June 2023 due to poor academic performance and previous findings of systemic noncompliance with special education laws. To regain local control, the district must demonstrate compliance with state and federal regulations while improving academic outcomes.
The Texas Tribune