What's Happening in Katy ISD Special Education Right Now
Katy ISD is one of the largest and fastest-growing districts in Texas, now serving approximately 96,000 students across more than 70 campuses — and that growth is creating real pressure on special education infrastructure. The district's special education department has undergone leadership transitions and structural reorganization in recent years, with shifts in how campus-level ARD facilitators are assigned and how evaluation teams are distributed across feeder patterns. If you've noticed new faces at your child's ARD meetings or felt like the person running the meeting barely knows your child's file, you're not imagining things. High staff turnover among diagnosticians, Licensed Specialists in School Psychology (LSSPs), and speech-language pathologists is a systemic issue KISD has struggled to stabilize.
Budget-wise, Katy ISD's 2024-2025 adopted budget reflected continued strain from Texas's outdated funding formulas and the expiration of federal ESSER pandemic relief dollars. Related services — speech therapy, occupational therapy, and especially counseling — are the first areas where you'll feel the squeeze. What that looks like in practice: group speech sessions replacing individual therapy, OT consults replacing direct OT services, and longer wait times between evaluation referral and actual testing. KISD has also expanded its use of contracted service providers for related services, which can mean your child sees a rotating cast of therapists who lack continuity and campus familiarity.
From a TEA monitoring perspective, Katy ISD has been subject to the state's Results Driven Accountability (RDA) framework and data reviews. Large districts like KISD frequently flag on indicators related to disproportionality in identification, discipline of students with disabilities, and least restrictive environment (LRE) placement percentages. While KISD has not been placed under formal TEA corrective action in the most recent published cycle, the district's sheer size means that compliance gaps at individual campuses can persist for months — or years — before central office intervenes. Your experience at Mayde Creek High School may be radically different from what a family at Tompkins experiences, and that inconsistency is itself a systemic failure.
Why Parents in Katy Are Searching for Special Ed Help
You're likely reading this because something specific happened: the district denied your evaluation request with vague language about your child "not being behind enough," the ARD committee presented a pre-written IEP and treated the meeting like a formality, or your child's services were reduced at an annual review with little explanation. In a district the size of Katy ISD, the caseload math alone should concern you. With an estimated 9,000–11,000 students receiving special education services (roughly 10-12% of enrollment), each diagnostician and LSSP may be responsible for 60–80+ evaluations per year, and ARD facilitators may manage caseloads spanning hundreds of students. When caseloads are that high, corners get cut — and your child's individualized program becomes anything but individualized. The most common triggers we see from Katy families: denial of initial evaluations (especially for dyslexia and autism), speech services being reduced without data to support the change, and schools pushing 504 plans when IDEA eligibility clearly applies.
The geographic sprawl of the district also matters. Katy ISD spans from the older, more established neighborhoods east of the Grand Parkway to rapidly developing communities near Brookshire. Newer campuses in the western part of the district are often staffed with less experienced special education personnel, and the institutional knowledge that helps families navigate the system simply hasn't been built yet. If you're at a newer campus and feel like no one quite knows the process — trust that instinct.
IEP & ARD Timeline Red Flags to Watch in Katy ISD
The 60-Day Evaluation Clock
Under Texas Education Code §29.004, once you provide written consent for a full individual and initial evaluation (FIIE), the district has 45 school days to complete the evaluation — not 45 calendar days. For students already receiving services, reevaluations follow a similar timeline. In Katy ISD, we frequently see this clock stretched to its absolute limit, and sometimes beyond. Watch for these red flags:
- Verbal stalling before the clock starts: A campus may acknowledge your concern but delay sending the official consent form for weeks, because the 45-day clock doesn't start until you sign. If you've verbally requested an evaluation and haven't received a consent form within 15 school days, put your request in writing to the campus principal AND the KISD Special Education Department at specialeducation@katyisd.org.
- ARD meetings that keep getting rescheduled: If your ARD has been postponed more than once, document every cancellation in writing. Texas law requires the district to make reasonable efforts to schedule at mutually agreeable times — but "mutually agreeable" does not mean "whenever the district finally gets around to it." After two reschedules, send a written letter requesting the ARD be held within 10 school days and state that you consider further delay a denial of FAPE.
- Evaluation reports delivered at the ARD itself: You are entitled to receive evaluation reports before the ARD meeting so you can review them. If KISD hands you a 30-page evaluation packet as you sit down at the table, you have every right to stop the meeting, take the documents home, and reconvene within 10 school days.
When to Escalate: TEA Complaints Against KISD
How to File a TEA State Complaint Against Katy ISD
If Katy ISD has violated your child's rights under IDEA, you can file a formal State Complaint with the Texas Education Agency. This is not adversarial theater — it is a structured, federally mandated process, and large districts like KISD take it seriously because it triggers an investigation with a 60-calendar-day resolution timeline. Here's what you need to know:
- Where to file: TEA's Division of Federal and State Education Policy. The complaint form and instructions are available at tea.texas.gov/special-education. You may file by mail or email.
- What to include: A written statement describing the specific IDEA violations, the facts supporting your claim, the name of your child and the school they attend (within Katy ISD), and your proposed resolution. Attach copies of IEPs, ARD notices, emails, and evaluation reports.
- Common violation types we see filed against large Texas districts like KISD: Failure to complete evaluations within the 45-school-day timeline; predetermination of placement (the IEP was decided before the ARD meeting); failure to implement IEP services as written (your child's IEP says 30 minutes of individual speech twice a week, but they're getting 20 minutes of group speech once a week); failure to provide prior written notice when changing services; and denial of independent educational evaluations (IEEs) at public expense.
- The 60-day timeline: TEA must issue a written decision within 60 calendar days of receiving your complaint. During this period, a TEA investigator will contact both you and KISD, review documentation, and may conduct interviews. KISD will be required to produce records.
- Public record: TEA complaint decisions are public record. This means you can research whether KISD has been found in violation before, and the district knows that a sustained complaint becomes part of its permanent compliance history.
What Katy ISD Parents Should Do This Week
- Request your child's complete special education file. Send a written request to your campus and to KISD's Special Education Department requesting all records under FERPA and IDEA — evaluations, ARD documents, service logs, progress monitoring data, communication logs, and internal staffing notes. The district must respond within 45 calendar days, but most comply faster when the request is in writing. Email specialeducation@katyisd.org and your campus principal simultaneously.
- Audit your child's IEP service logs. Ask the speech therapist, OT, or counselor to provide a session-by-session log showing dates, duration, and whether each session was individual or group. Compare this against what the IEP actually says. Discrepancies are IDEA violations — and they are more common in Katy ISD than the district would like to admit.
- Document everything in email, starting today. Every conversation with a teacher, case manager, diagnostician, or administrator about your child's special education services should be followed up with a brief email: "Thank you for our conversation today. To confirm, you stated that…" This creates a contemporaneous written record that is admissible and powerful.
- Review your child's most recent Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP). This is the foundation of the entire IEP. If the PLAAFP is vague, outdated, or copy-pasted from last year, the goals built on top of it are likely inappropriate. Flag specific language that doesn't accurately describe your child and bring it to the next ARD in writing.
- Check the KISD academic calendar and count your deadlines. If an evaluation is pending, count the 45 school days. If an annual ARD is approaching, confirm the date in writing. If a reevaluation is due (every three years), verify that the district has initiated the process. Missed timelines are among the most common — and most provable — violations.
- Connect with the Katy ISD Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC). KISD is required to maintain a parent advisory committee. Attend the next meeting — not just for information, but to make your presence known. District administrators pay closer attention to families who show up.
- Consult with an independent advocate or special education attorney before your next ARD. You do not have to walk into that room alone. Under IDEA, you have the right to bring anyone with knowledge or special expertise regarding your child. Even a single strategy session with a knowledgeable advocate can fundamentally change the dynamic of an ARD meeting in Katy ISD.
Frequently Asked Questions: Katy ISD Special Education
Real questions Katy parents are searching for — answered with Texas law in mind.
Does Katy ISD have a Child Find program to identify children with disabilities?
Yes, Katy ISD is required by federal law under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) to actively locate, identify, and evaluate all children with suspected disabilities residing within its boundaries, from birth through age 21. This mandate is known as Child Find. If you are a Katy parent who suspects your child may have a disability affecting their learning, you can submit a written referral for a Full Individual and Initial Evaluation (FIIE) to your child's campus or to the KISD Special Education department. Katy ISD must respond within 15 school days of receiving your written request and, if an evaluation is warranted, must complete it within 45 school days. Child Find applies to children in private schools, homeschool settings, and those not yet enrolled in school.
How does special education work in Texas for Katy ISD families?
Special education in Texas is governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) at the federal level and Chapter 29 of the Texas Education Code (TEC) at the state level. In Katy ISD, a child must first be evaluated and found eligible under one of the 13 disability categories recognized by IDEA. Once eligible, the ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) committee develops an Individualized Education Program (IEP) tailored to the child's unique needs. Texas requires that special education services be provided in the least restrictive environment (LRE), meaning KISD must first consider educating your child alongside non-disabled peers. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees compliance, and parents are equal members of the decision-making team throughout the process.
Who is on the ARD Committee in Katy ISD?
The ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) Committee in Katy ISD includes several required members defined by IDEA and the Texas Education Code Section 29.005. At minimum, the committee must include the parent or guardian, a general education teacher, a special education teacher, a KISD representative qualified to provide or supervise specially designed instruction and knowledgeable about district resources, and a person who can interpret evaluation results. Parents may also invite additional participants such as advocates, private therapists, or attorneys. In Katy ISD, related service providers like speech-language pathologists or occupational therapists may attend when relevant. The student may also attend when appropriate, particularly during transition planning beginning at age 14 in Texas. Parents are equal decision-makers on the committee.
How do I make sure my child's IEP goals are measurable in Katy ISD?
Measurable IEP goals in Katy ISD must include specific, observable criteria so that both parents and educators can objectively track a child's progress. Under IDEA, each goal should identify the skill or behavior being targeted, the conditions under which it will be measured, and the level of expected performance within a defined timeframe. For example, instead of writing 'the student will improve reading,' a measurable goal states 'By the end of the IEP period, the student will read a grade-level passage at 95 words per minute with 90% accuracy in 3 of 4 trials.' During your KISD ARD meeting, ask how each goal will be measured, who collects the data, and how often you will receive progress reports. Texas requires progress reporting at least as often as report cards are issued.
What does ARD meeting mean for Katy ISD parents?
An ARD meeting stands for Admission, Review, and Dismissal meeting, which is Texas's term for the IEP (Individualized Education Program) team meeting required by federal law under IDEA. In Katy ISD, the ARD meeting is where parents and school staff come together to determine a child's eligibility for special education, develop or revise the IEP, set annual goals, decide placement, and plan related services. Texas Education Code Section 29.005 outlines the composition and responsibilities of the ARD committee. As a KISD parent, you are a full and equal member of this committee. ARD meetings must be scheduled at a mutually agreed-upon time and place, and you have the right to receive prior written notice of what will be discussed.
What special education services and programs does Katy ISD offer?
Katy ISD provides a comprehensive continuum of special education services designed to meet the individual needs of eligible students from ages 3 through 21. These services may include specialized academic instruction, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling, assistive technology, behavioral intervention, and transition planning. KISD offers various instructional settings ranging from inclusion support in general education classrooms to resource rooms, self-contained classrooms, and specialized campuses for students with more intensive needs. All services are determined through the ARD committee process and documented in the child's IEP, as required by IDEA and Texas Education Code Chapter 29. Parents can contact the Katy ISD Special Education department to learn about specific programs available at their child's campus.
What is an ARD in Texas schools like Katy ISD?
An ARD in Texas schools stands for Admission, Review, and Dismissal, and it is the formal committee meeting where decisions about a student's special education services are made. This is Texas's version of the IEP team meeting required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). In Katy ISD, the ARD committee reviews evaluation data, determines eligibility for special education, creates or updates the Individualized Education Program, sets measurable annual goals, and decides the student's educational placement. Under Texas Education Code Section 29.005, parents are equal and essential members of the ARD committee. KISD must provide parents with written notice before each meeting, and decisions should be made by consensus rather than a majority vote whenever possible.
What should Katy ISD parents expect at an ARD meeting in Texas?
At an ARD meeting in Texas, Katy ISD parents should expect a structured discussion about their child's special education needs, eligibility, goals, services, and placement. The meeting begins with introductions and a review of the purpose. Evaluation results, present levels of performance, and progress on current goals are typically discussed. Under IDEA and Texas Education Code Chapter 29, parents have the right to participate as equal members, ask questions, propose goals, and disagree with recommendations. KISD must provide prior written notice of the meeting, and parents may request to reschedule if the time is inconvenient. You may bring an advocate, attorney, or outside expert. If agreement is not reached, Texas law allows a 10-school-day recess period for continued discussion before the district can implement its proposal.
What are the legal requirements for ARD meetings in Katy ISD under Texas law?
Texas ARD meeting requirements are established by IDEA and the Texas Education Code (TEC) Sections 29.004–29.005, and apply fully to Katy ISD. The district must provide parents with reasonable advance written notice of the meeting, including the purpose, time, location, and attendees. All required ARD committee members must be present unless the parent provides written consent for a member's absence. Parents must be given the opportunity to meaningfully participate, and KISD must make efforts to schedule meetings at mutually agreeable times. Decisions should be reached by consensus. If the parent disagrees, Texas law provides a 10-school-day recess to allow further discussion. Additionally, KISD must provide parents with a copy of procedural safeguards at least once per school year and at each initial referral.
What do Katy ISD parents need to know before their first ARD meeting?
Before your first ARD meeting in Katy ISD, it is essential to understand that you are an equal decision-maker on the ARD committee, not just an observer. Review your child's evaluation reports in advance and prepare a list of concerns, strengths, and goals you want addressed. Under IDEA and Texas Education Code Section 29.005, the ARD committee will determine your child's eligibility, develop an Individualized Education Program, set measurable goals, and decide placement and services. You have the right to bring an advocate, therapist, or attorney. Request the meeting agenda and any draft documents from KISD ahead of time. Take notes during the meeting, and remember you are not required to sign the IEP on the spot—Texas law grants a 10-school-day recess if you need more time to consider the proposal.
Where can Katy ISD parents find a guide to the ARD process in Texas?
Katy ISD parents can find helpful guidance on the ARD process through several trusted resources. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) publishes a comprehensive document called 'A Guide to the Admission, Review, and Dismissal Process,' which is available free on the TEA website. This guide explains parental rights, the ARD committee structure, IEP development, and dispute resolution options under IDEA and Texas Education Code Chapter 29. Additionally, the Texas Project FIRST parent hotline (1-855-TEKIDS1) offers free support and information. KISD's Special Education department can also provide district-specific procedural safeguards and answer questions about local policies. For personalized advocacy guidance, resources at texasspecialed.com break down the ARD process step by step specifically for Katy-area families.
What role does the ARD play in special education for Katy ISD students?
The ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) committee plays the central decision-making role in special education for Katy ISD students. It is the formal body responsible for reviewing evaluation data, determining whether a student qualifies for special education under one of IDEA's 13 disability categories, developing the Individualized Education Program (IEP), establishing measurable annual goals, and determining the appropriate educational placement and related services. Under Texas Education Code Section 29.005, the ARD committee must meet at least annually to review and update each student's IEP. In KISD, the ARD committee also addresses behavioral intervention plans, transition services for students 14 and older, extended school year eligibility, and any proposed changes to a student's program. Parents are equal members with full participation rights.
What does ARD mean in education and how does it apply in Katy ISD?
ARD stands for Admission, Review, and Dismissal, and it is the term used exclusively in Texas for the special education team meeting that other states commonly call the IEP team meeting. In Katy ISD, the ARD committee is responsible for deciding whether a student is admitted to special education, reviewing the student's progress and Individualized Education Program at least annually, and dismissing the student from services when they no longer qualify. The ARD process is governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) at the federal level and Texas Education Code Sections 29.004–29.005 at the state level. As a KISD parent, you are a required and equal member of your child's ARD committee, with the right to participate fully in every decision.
How often are ARD meetings held in Katy ISD and when can parents request one?
In Katy ISD, ARD meetings must be held at least once per year to review and update each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP), as required by IDEA and Texas Education Code Section 29.004. However, parents have the right to request an ARD meeting at any time if they have concerns about their child's progress, services, placement, or goals. To request a meeting, submit a written request to your child's campus administrator or KISD special education coordinator. The district must respond in a reasonable timeframe and schedule the meeting at a mutually convenient time. Additional ARD meetings may also be triggered by new evaluations, disciplinary actions, significant changes in the child's needs, or when transition planning is required beginning at age 14 in Texas.
How does the IEP process work in Katy ISD and Texas?
The IEP (Individualized Education Program) process in Katy ISD begins with a referral for evaluation, which can be initiated by a parent, teacher, or other school personnel. Once a written request is received, KISD has 15 school days to decide whether to evaluate and 45 school days to complete the Full Individual and Initial Evaluation (FIIE). If the student qualifies under one of IDEA's 13 disability categories, the ARD committee convenes within 30 calendar days to develop the IEP. Under Texas Education Code Chapter 29, the IEP must include present levels of performance, measurable annual goals, the services and supports to be provided, and the student's educational placement. The IEP is reviewed and updated at least annually, and a full re-evaluation occurs at least every three years.
What are the unique IEP requirements for students in Texas and Katy ISD?
In Texas, the IEP process follows federal IDEA requirements plus additional state-specific provisions under Texas Education Code Chapter 29 that apply to Katy ISD students. Texas is unique in using the term ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) committee instead of IEP team. State law requires the ARD committee to include a general education teacher and provides parents a 10-school-day recess period if they disagree with the committee's proposal. Texas also mandates transition planning beginning at age 14, one year earlier than IDEA's federal requirement of 16. Additionally, TEA requires school districts like KISD to address dyslexia services under Section 504 or special education, and the state has specific provisions for bilingual special education services. Parents receive procedural safeguards outlining their full rights under both state and federal law.
What Texas laws govern special education services in Katy ISD?
Special education services in Katy ISD are governed by a combination of federal and Texas state laws. At the federal level, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guarantees every eligible child a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment. At the state level, Texas Education Code (TEC) Chapter 29, Subchapter A, establishes the requirements for special education in Texas, including the ARD committee process, evaluation timelines, and parental rights. The Texas Administrative Code Title 19, Chapter 89 provides additional rules and procedures that districts like KISD must follow. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees compliance and handles complaints. Parents also have protections under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for students who may not qualify under IDEA.
How does the ARD committee make special education decisions in Katy ISD?
In Katy ISD, the ARD committee makes special education decisions through a collaborative, consensus-based process as outlined in IDEA and Texas Education Code Section 29.005. The committee reviews evaluation data, present levels of academic and functional performance, and input from parents, teachers, and related service providers to determine eligibility, develop IEP goals, select services, and decide educational placement. Texas law emphasizes that decisions should be made by agreement among all committee members, including the parent. If consensus cannot be reached, the parent may invoke a 10-school-day recess to allow additional time for discussion or to seek outside guidance. If disagreement continues, KISD may implement its proposal, but parents retain the right to file a complaint with TEA or request a due process hearing to challenge the decision.
What is the Texas ARD process and how does it work in Katy ISD?
The Texas ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) process is the state-mandated framework for making all special education decisions for eligible students in districts like Katy ISD. The process begins when a student is referred for evaluation and continues throughout their time in special education. Key steps include the initial evaluation, eligibility determination, IEP development, annual reviews, and triennial re-evaluations. Under Texas Education Code Sections 29.004–29.005 and IDEA, the ARD committee in KISD must include the parent, general and special education teachers, a district representative, and an evaluation interpreter. Parents have the right to meaningful participation, prior written notice of meetings, access to educational records, and the ability to request independent evaluations. Texas provides unique protections including the 10-school-day recess and transition planning starting at age 14.