Blogs

How Federal Shutdown Impacts Sped Programs

In a nutshell, SHARS reimbursements would not necessarily stop entirely during a federal government shutdown. But there is a strong risk of delays, especially in processing, auditing, or getting approvals. The cash flow might slow, but the federal obligation does not vanish.

Last week, the White House’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memo directing federal agencies to prepare for “reduction in force” (i.e., permanent layoffs) if a shutdown occurred. Agencies have also been told to develop contingency plans that prioritize “core” administration priorities, and that nonaligned programs could be at greater risk. 

A federal appeals court recently cleared the way for the Education Department to proceed with deep cuts in its Office for Civil Rights (OCR). The move would eliminate about 275 of roughly 550 OCR jobs. 

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Report Highlights Special Education Shortages

The commission identified causes ranging from high workloads and student loan debt to poor working conditions and difficulties retaining teachers. Commissioners did not adopt a single set of recommendations. Instead, individual members suggested solutions including streamlined licensure programs, local “Grow Your Own” initiatives, incentives to retain veteran teachers, and in some cases, expanding school choice.

The report did not include state-specific data for Texas, but the findings echo concerns raised by TCASE members statewide.

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Stronger Training and Standards Needed For Special Ed Teacher Retention, Group Says

According to NCTQ, Texas received low marks for not requiring teacher preparation programs to provide sufficient coursework in reading science for special educators, and for allowing broad certifications that may not ensure teachers have the skills needed for diverse student populations. The state was also cited for limited policies to address retention.

Nationwide, NCTQ recommended states strengthen licensure standards, increase access to mentorship and induction programs, and improve working conditions to keep teachers in classrooms.

According to the state profile, NCTQ recommends that Texas:

• Strengthen teacher preparation in reading science. The report found that Texas does not consistently require teacher preparation programs for special educators to include coursework grounded in evidence-based reading instruction. NCTQ urges alignment with the state’s broader literacy standards to ensure special educators are prepared to support struggling readers.

• Narrow certification bands. Texas currently allows broad special education certifications that span grades EC–12. NCTQ says this can leave teachers underprepared for the developmental needs of specific grade levels. The report recommends more grade-banded licenses to better match teacher training with student needs.

• Increase clinical practice requirements. While Texas has practicum requirements, NCTQ suggests expanding supervised fieldwork so teacher candidates gain more hands-on experience with students with disabilities and English learners before entering the workforce.

• Improve retention supports. The state was cited for limited induction and mentoring for new special educators. NCTQ recommends formal statewide requirements for induction programs to reduce early-career turnover.

• Raise transparency in program outcomes. The report suggests that Texas publish clearer data on the performance of teacher preparation programs, including placement and retention rates for special educators.

NCTQ said that without stronger preparation standards and retention supports, Texas risks continuing a cycle of shortages that disproportionately affect students with disabilities.

The full Texas profile is available here (PDF).

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TCASE Provides Comments at Voucher Hearing

Other disability groups, such as the Autism Society of Texas, Disability Rights Texas, and Texas Parent to Parent echoed the concerns of TCASE. The Texas Pediatric Society also affirmed that doctors are not trained to diagnose the educational impact of disabilities and that the rules could put doctors in an uncomfortable position.

Much of the testimony included recommendations that the proposed rules accurately align with SB 2, noting areas where there seems to be misalignment. One of those areas was the use of the ESA for private prekindergarten. Testifiers argued that the proposed rules say children attending private school pre-k programs would receive $2,000, instead of the full $10,000. To read more about these discrepancies, read the Texas Tribune article. 

The rules are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.

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Resources Available for Coming Election

• Last Day to Register to Vote: October 6
• First Day of Early Voting: October 20
• Last Day to Apply for Mail Ballot: October 24
• Last Day of Early Voting: October 31
• Election Day: November 4
• Last Day to Receive Ballot by Mail: November 4 (if not postmarked by 7 p.m. on Election Day)