Potential Space for Special Education Improvements in Austin ISD, Third-Party Audit Reveals

Austin’s Independent School District Requires Upgrades in Special Education

Austin’s Independent School District (Austin ISD), though making considerable strides in augmenting its special education department, requires more work in its current state. These findings are a result of a third-party audit conducted by the Houston-based consulting firm, Stetson and Associates.

The Core Findings of the Report

The crucial issues outlined in the April-released report highlight seven areas impacting the special education department severely. These include a nationwide dearth of teachers and personnel, an unreliable data system utilized to oversee a student’s special education plan, and a significant “lack of shared responsibility” among various campuses to fulfill the requirements to service students with disabilities.

Further, the report mentioned an absence of a direct communication line between the Austin ISD’s special education department and campuses, failure of services to adapt to individual student needs, unavailability of a quality system for professional development and training to staff, and the need for consistent parent involvement in child’s education.

The audit was necessitated due to an agreement with the Texas Education Agency that the district officials had approved in September.

The Journey leading to the Audit

As a part of this agreement, a state-appointed monitor was positioned over the special education department. This decision was taken in light of the Texas Education Agency’s observations that pinpointed a backlog of special education evaluations that left students waiting for possible access to required school accommodations.

Moreover, the agency reported 40 instances of “systemic noncompliance” where Austin ISD failed to address special education needs timely. Since the implementation of this agreement, many parents have noticed improved efficiencies in operation.

Progress Post the TEA Agreement

According to reports by the district officials, post the TEA agreement, over 7,000 staff members underwent professional development training regarding student services and family engagement. Additionally, the pay scale for evaluators has seen an increase helping to progress towards filling over 50 vacancies. Furthermore, a Parent Advisory Committee, comprising parents of special education students, has been established.

Out of the 99 tasks outlined in the agreement, 40 have been timely completed. However, if Austin ISD fails to fulfill any of the agreement terms, the Texas Education Agency could appoint a conservator.

The Future of Austin ISD’s Special Education

Officials are now working on a “Special Education Strategic Plan” which is due by April 30. This plan is aimed at improving district systems and augmenting their service quality.

Dru McGovern-Robinett, AISD assistant superintendent of special education programs, stated, “The audit findings align with critical work and priorities for our district. The results reinforce the steps we’re taking to address systemic challenges as we work to improve special education services for over 12,000 students in Austin ISD.”

For more information, visit Austin ISD’s official website.