While Houston Independent School District relocates some special education programs, a nearby district is moving to return students to their zoned campuses.
HOUSTON — Some Houston-area parents say they are frustrated after the Houston Independent School District decided to change the model for certain specialized special education programs next school year, a move that could require some students to transfer campuses.
Parents told KHOU 11 they were not asked for input before the decision was made.
Mireille Patman, whose eighth-grade child is in the special education program at Frank Black Middle School, said she learned about her child’s placement for next year in a call from the district on Friday.
“They say it’s not financial, but it’s hard to believe that,” Patman said. “They say this is for efficiency and I ask, well, is it effective?”
Patman said she is comfortable with the new campus assignment. Other parents are still waiting for answers.
Tiffany Cortinas, whose first-grade child attends Pugh Elementary School, said she has not been told whether her child will have to move.
“We just want transparency, all the way around,” Cortinas said.
According to HISD, most special education students will not be affected. The district said students who spend most of the school day in self-contained classrooms could be reassigned to one of about 150 campuses next year.
District officials said the change is intended to create smaller class sizes, increase personalized instruction and provide more opportunities for students.
Patman questioned the timing of the changes and pointed to a different approach being taken by nearby Conroe Independent School District.
“I don’t know why they’re doing this now,” Patman said. “There’s no research behind it. Conroe is doing the exact opposite.”
That comparison is accurate.
Conroe ISD is launching its “Homecoming Plan” next school year, an initiative designed to return students in specialized programs to their zoned campuses. District leaders said during an April board meeting that the plan is meant to create a sustainable long-term approach to special education services.
When told about Conroe ISD’s plan, Cortinas said the contrast is frustrating.
“Yeah, and it infuriates me,” Cortinas said. “HISD is huge. Why can’t we have that here?”
HISD declined KHOU’s request for an interview and did not say how many students could be affected by the changes.
Meanwhile, Conroe Independent School District is scheduled to host an orientation Saturday for parents of students in special education programs.
Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at newstips@khou.com or call 713-521-4310 and include the best way to reach you.