The U.S. Department of Education is coming to Texas to to continue an investigation into whether the state is illegally keeping students with disabilities out of special education services after learning of the Houston Chronicle articles on special ed services in TX.

Federal officials will hold public listening sessions” with students, parents, advocates and educators in Houston, Dallas, Austin, El Paso and Edinburg next month, the department said. The meetings will take place during the week of Dec. 12.

“The sessions provide members of the public an opportunity to comment on the timely identification and evaluation of students with disabilities, as well as the delivery of special education and related services to all eligible children,” the department said.

This is an opportunity that parents need to be aware of. School officials are likely to come. I encourage parents to gather facts, and data to present. The time for each person to speak will probably be limited so it is important to be prepared to make concise and informative presentations.  I encourage you to share your ideas here of key topics and issues that should be addressed at these sessions. – Chuck Noe, PRN Education Specialist

For more information, go to http://m.chron.com/news/politics/texas/article/Federal-officials-to-visit-Texas-to-ask-residents-10645296.php