This report highlights seven specific areas where improvements could prove beneficial.
AUSTIN, Texas — Austin ISD's special education program was recently evaluated through an audit, which identified seven specific areas that would benefit from improvement.
The audit, conducted by Stetson & Associates, evaluated the special education program over the past four years in accordance with an agreement with the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
The first problem reported in the audit is the shortage of educators at the national level.
To address the job shortage, the district has implemented several incentives for potential special education teachers, including an additional $7,000 stipend, increased pay for certain roles (including psychologists and service providers), and offering flexible schedules. We have tried to create further incentives.
But despite the district's efforts, the program, which covers more than 120 campuses, still faces other concerns.
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Among them are inadequate systems for tracking and managing data and weak professional development systems.
“Currently, Austin ISD utilizes the Special Education Data Management System (EasyIEP), which provides reliable tracking and monitoring of real-time information regarding referrals, assessments, and ARD meeting timeline adherence. No data was provided,” the audit said.
According to the audit, some students do not receive placements based on their specific needs in connection with their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). However, Austin ISD is also working to modify its current focus to create a more comprehensive system.
Additionally, some Austin ISD schools lack accountability “both in meeting compliance responsibilities and creating a positive learning environment for children,” the audit said.
One of the main issues also appears to be the difficult relationship between some parents and schools.
According to a survey earlier this year, about 36% of parents said they were satisfied with the current special education evaluation process, while 7.8% strongly disagreed and the rest were somewhere in between. .
The audit found that while “the majority of Austin ISD parents of students with disabilities are satisfied with the practices,” there is also a “high percentage of parents who disagree or strongly disagree with some practices.” said.
Austin ISD will now create training to strengthen the relationship between local parents and schools.
Read the full audit report.
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