The Houston Chronicle asked four special education advocates, parents and experts to help decode Texas’ often-confusing and ever-changing special education system for parents. Those panelists covered legal rights, common challenges and concrete strategies families can use to advocate for their children effectively within the school system.
Here’s what they shared:
For parents teaching students at home, what are some signs they may need to be evaluated?
Parents should request an evaluation “as soon as they suspect that a student may have a disability and require special education services,” according to Disability Rights Texas. Parents and guardians have a right to request an evaluation at any time, and getting children identified as early as possible is best, Special Education Advocates co-founder Derek Taylor said.
To request an evaluation, parents and guardians can submit a written request to their child’s school. They should address the letter to the school’s principal, unless they are preschool age, in which case they should direct it to the district’s special education director…