Garland Independent School District (GISD) stands out in the DFW metroplex for its unique "Choice of School" program, which allows families to select campuses based on interest rather than just zip code. However, for special education students, this choice can sometimes be limited by the location of specialized programs. The district's Department of Special Education is centralized at the Harris Hill Administration Building, but many critical functions—especially for older students—operate out of the Transition Learning Center on State Street.
GISD uses specific acronyms for its specialized classrooms that you should know. ALE (Applied Learning Environment) serves students with significant cognitive disabilities who require a modified curriculum focused on functional skills. For students with behavioral challenges, the district offers the FBE (Functional Behavior Environment), which emphasizes positive behavior support to help students return to general education settings. Additionally, Garland ISD is a partner in Project SEARCH, a high school transition program that provides real-world work experience at local businesses for students with disabilities in their final year of school.
If you have a child aged 3-5, the district's Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) program is robust, but enrollment often requires going through a centralized assessment process rather than just walking into your local elementary school. The district also places a strong emphasis on "In-Home and Parent Training" for students with autism, offering specific workshops to help you extend IEP goals into your home life.
Communication in Garland ISD is structured. Your first point of contact for any issue should always be the campus "Special Education Team Lead" or "Department Chair." If you skip this step and go straight to the Harris Hill administration building, you will likely be redirected back to the campus. However, the district does employ "Special Education Coordinators" who oversee specific zones or programs (like Autism or Behavior), and these individuals can be powerful allies if you are hitting a wall at the campus level.