TEA says Austin ISD’s special education evaluations backlog is clear
AUSTIN (KXAN) — There may soon be some relief for families within the Austin Independent School District who have children with special needs.
For many months, parents awaited special education screenings that could help their kids in the classroom.
On Thursday evening, the AISD School Board received an update state monitors with the Texas Education Agency.
"I'm happy to report that the backlog of evaluations has been cleared,” TEA monitor Lesa Shocklee said.
According to TEA, nearly 1,800 students suspected of needing special ed services were overdue for an evaluation in January of 2023.
In September, the AISD board of trustees approved a plan for TEA to monitor the way in which the district handles special education services.
Originally, there were 99 tasks assigned within the TEA order.
During Thursday’s meeting, it was announced that 30 tasks have been fulfilled by AISD with four more set to be submitted Friday.
The TEA also announced that AISD’s entire instructional staff has been trained on all statewide special education regulations.
The district has also updated its website, with added information and easier access for parents trying to schedule evaluations for their special education students.
This October, AISD must start submitting detailed monthly reports to the TEA pertaining to its special education status.