Texas lawmakers push for $1.7 billion special education reforms

Texas lawmakers are considering two important bills aimed at improving special education in the state. These measures could help close a significant funding gap of about $1.7 billion. Many school leaders believe these changes are critical to support the growing number of children with disabilities who need help. Since the 2015-16 school year, the number of students receiving special education services in Texas has surged by 67%. This rise has pushed the total from 463,000 to 775,000 students. Unfortunately, funding has not kept pace, forcing schools to dip into their overall budgets. A 2016 investigation revealed that the Texas Education Agency had wrongly limited the number of students eligible for services. This cap was lifted in 2017, leading to an increase in evaluations from 80,000 in 2015-16 to 180,000 in 2023-24. Evaluations can be costly, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 each. One of the bills, House Bill 2, proposes an annual increase of $615 million for special education funding starting next school year. Senate Bill 568 does not specify an increase but includes a budget allocation of $700 million for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years. This bill suggests reforms in funding procedures, transitioning to a system that allocates funds based on individual student needs. Education advocates are pushing for a tiered funding formula to better reflect the services required by each student. However, some are concerned that implementing these changes next year may be too ambitious, suggesting a delay to allow for better preparation. The proposals also aim to improve accountability for special education outcomes. If passed, school boards would need to annually discuss the progress of students with disabilities and monitor their readiness for college, careers, or military service. In previous years, funding cuts and enrollment caps have strained the special education system in Texas. Although lawmakers removed these caps, they have often failed to provide adequate funding to meet increasing demand, leading to ongoing challenges in the state’s special education landscape.