Priorities — Education

Fiscal Year 2008 Through 2010 (October 1, 2007 through September 30, 2010)

SUBJECT AREA 1
Discipline

Our vision is that students, who because of a disability, need help to behave appropriately in school are given positive planning and supports and are not restrained or secluded or otherwise treated improperly.

  1. Students with disabilities are not illegally removed for disciplinary reasons to settings such as: juvenile detention centers, juvenile justice AEPs, school district disciplinary AEPs, interim AEPs, and/or in-school suspensions that meet the standard for a change-of-placement. Students prevented from removal, or students previously removed, will be placed in settings in which they receive needed positive behavior supports.
  2. Students with disabilities in Texas public schools, including charter schools and disciplinary alternative education programs, will not be subjected to the use of physical restraint, locked seclusion, or time-out in violation of state statute and regulations.

SUBJECT AREA 2
Inclusion

Our vision is that students with disabilities go to class with children who do not have disabilities and are given any supports they need to socialize with other students and succeed in school.

  1. Students with disabilities are not because of their disability and/or behavior completely or substantially excluded from general education environments.

SUBJECT AREA 3
Assistive Technology

Our vision is that students with disabilities who need assistive technology can get it and the training needed to use it.

  1. Students with disabilities receive appropriate assistive technology devices and services, including training on its use for the student, parents and school personnel.

SUBJECT AREA 4
Transition Services

Our vision is that students with disabilities leave school prepared for life as adults in the community.

  1. Students with disabilities age 14 and over receive transition services that meet state and federal requirements.

SUBJECT AREA 5
Polices and Practices

Our vision is that public schools comply with all special education requirements, use the current "best practices" in the education of students with disabilities, and are held accountable for all students' success, and that parents and guardians have the information they need to be effective advocates for their children.

  1. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) adopts, implements, and enforces rules and policies that assure students with disabilities receive a “free and appropriate public education” in the least restrictive environment.
  2. The Texas Legislature adopts laws that assure Texas schools provide students with disabilities a “free and appropriate public education” in the least restrictive environment, including equal access to the non-educational services and resources provided to all students.
  3. Parents, parent advocates, and other appropriate groups and organizations receive information about important issues impacting the education of students with disabilities.