Houston ISD Special Education Resources
Hi, I'm a Texas parent of a 2e child. When I watched the school system fail her, I realized how broken the process is. I built this resource to help parents like you get the support your child deserves. You are not alone.
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Get the complete Parent Protection Bundle: ARD Prep, Behavior Defense, Dyslexia, and Accommodations.
Get All 6 Kits for $97📋 ARD Meeting Guide
Step-by-step preparation for your next ARD meeting.
🔍 Request an Evaluation
How to secure a Full Individual Evaluation (FIE).
⚠️ Discipline & Grievance
Crisis support, discipline defense, and formal grievance resolution.
📖 Dyslexia Services
Houston ISD screening and instructional rights.
📞 Contact Directory
Direct contacts for district special education leadership.
📍 Other Districts in Region 4 (TEA ESC)
Parents across the region share the same TEA oversight and ESC support. These districts follow the same timelines:
Cypress-Fairbanks ISDKaty ISDFort Bend ISDConroe ISDAldine ISDAbout Special Education in Houston ISD
Houston ISD serves the Houston area and is one of the largest school districts in Texas, serving a diverse student population. The district is committed to providing a quality special education program to students with disabilities, ensuring they receive the support and services necessary to succeed. Houston ISD operates under the oversight of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) Region 4 Education Service Center, which provides support and resources to districts in the region.
The Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) process in Houston ISD adheres to state and federal guidelines. After a referral for special education services, the district has approximately 45 school days to complete a Full and Individual Evaluation (FIE). Once the FIE is complete, parents will receive a written notice at least five school days prior to the ARD committee meeting.
Common Questions from Houston ISD Families
My child is struggling, but the school says they don't qualify for special education. What can I do?
If you disagree with the school's findings, you have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense if you meet certain criteria. You can also request mediation with the district to resolve disagreements or file a formal complaint with the TEA.
What specific supports are available for my child's reading difficulties in Houston ISD?
Houston ISD offers a variety of reading interventions and supports, including specialized reading programs, assistive technology, and accommodations within the classroom. The ARD committee will determine the most appropriate supports based on your child’s individual needs and the results of their evaluation.
How often will my child's ARD committee meet to review their progress?
Your child's ARD committee must meet at least annually to review their Individualized Education Program (IEP) and progress towards their goals. However, you can request an ARD meeting at any time if you have concerns about your child's progress or if there are significant changes in their needs.
Practical Tip for Parents
Navigating a large district like Houston ISD (with approximately 194,000 students) can feel overwhelming. A helpful tip is to start with the dedicated campus special education coordinator. They are your primary point of contact and can address most initial concerns and questions before escalating to the district-level special education office.