One of out every 68 kids in the United States is on the autism spectrum, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While it’s true that most children these days are considered “digital natives,” children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) also find themselves most comfortable with a device in their hands.”
After December 2016, STAAR A & STAAR L test forms will no longer be used. This change means that schools must have enough computers for all students with disabilities & ELLs who need accommodations.
This guidance from the Office of Special Ed & Rehabilitative Services addresses the general supervision responsibilities by states and the applicability of IDEA’s child find provisions to children attending public virtual schools. The letter also clarifies the responsibility for providing a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to children with disabilities attending these schools.
On July 26, 2016, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued guidance clarifying the obligation of schools to provide students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with equal educational opportunity under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
TEA has just published proposed rules on SB 507 concerning the videotapping of special education classrooms. The comment period runs until May 9th, 2016. At that time TEA staff will review the comments, and finalize the rules. They hope to have the rules go into effect by June 16, 2016.
Unfortunately, too many of the 6.5 million children and youth with disabilities in this country leave high school without the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in a 21st century, global economy. While the vast majority of students in special education do not have significant cognitive impairments that prohibit them from learning rigorous academic content, fewer than 10 percent of eighth graders with disabilities are proficient in reading and math on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Too often, students’ educational opportunities are limited by low expectations. We must do better.
