What's Happening in North East ISD Special Education Right Now
North East ISD — the largest district in Bexar County with roughly 60,000 students across more than 70 campuses — has been navigating significant pressure on its special education infrastructure. NEISD's special education enrollment has continued to climb in recent years, a trend accelerated both by post-pandemic identification catch-up and by Texas's ongoing correction from the years-long "8.5% cap" era, during which the state systematically discouraged districts from identifying students. TEA's corrective action plans from that period are still reverberating through large districts like NEISD, where evaluation backlogs and undertrained ARD committees remain persistent structural problems even in 2024-2025. The district's most recent TEA performance designation placed it in a compliance-monitoring posture consistent with other large suburban ISDs, but families on the ground report a gap between what appears on paper and what actually shows up in the classroom.
Budget pressures are hitting related services hardest. NEISD, like many large Texas districts facing flat state funding and rising costs, has leaned heavily on contracted service providers for speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and specialized counseling — and those contracts are thinning. Multiple NEISD campuses have seen speech therapy caseloads balloon past 70 students per therapist, which functionally means your child may be receiving less direct service time than their IEP specifies. The district has also experienced turnover in its special education administrative leadership in recent cycles, which creates inconsistency in how campus-level staff interpret evaluation timelines, eligibility criteria, and Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) requirements. If you've noticed a revolving door of case managers or diagnosticians at your child's school, that is not a coincidence — it is a systemic staffing issue.
Additionally, NEISD's sheer geographic footprint — stretching from inside Loop 410 out to the Stone Oak and far northeast corridor — means there is significant campus-to-campus variability. A family at Reagan High School may have a completely different ARD experience than a family at Roosevelt or Johnson. This unevenness is something you should be aware of: your rights do not change based on which campus your child attends, even if the district's capacity to honor those rights does.
Why Parents in San Antonio Are Searching for Special Ed Help
You probably did not start googling special education law for fun. Most NEISD families reach a breaking point — your child's evaluation keeps getting delayed, the ARD committee presented a plan that feels like a photocopy of last year's IEP, or you were told your child "doesn't qualify" for services despite obvious struggles in the classroom. In a district this large, the sheer volume of students can make it feel like your child is being processed rather than planned for. NEISD runs hundreds of ARD meetings per month across its campuses, and when staff are stretched thin, the default institutional behavior is to minimize services, offer the least costly placement, and move on to the next meeting. That is not malice — it is math. But it is also not acceptable when it is your child.
San Antonio families are also increasingly aware that NEISD has historically been slower than some neighboring districts (like Northside ISD or Judson ISD) to implement inclusive practices and evidence-based interventions for students with autism, dyslexia, and emotional disturbances. If you are feeling like you're fighting harder than you should have to for basic accommodations or appropriate goals, you are not imagining it — and you are not alone. The search for help usually begins when trust breaks down between you and the ARD committee, and that moment is exactly when knowing your procedural rights becomes critical.
IEP & ARD Timeline Red Flags to Watch in North East ISD
Under Texas Education Code §29.004 and federal IDEA regulations, once you provide written consent for an evaluation (initial or re-evaluation), the district has 45 school days — not calendar days — to complete the Full Individual and Initial Evaluation (FIIE). Many NEISD families are told "60 days," which reflects the federal baseline, but Texas law is stricter. Know the correct number: 45 school days from the date of your written consent. If the district received your consent in October and you still have no evaluation report by January, that is a red flag.
Signs the District Is Behind
- The diagnostician has not contacted you to schedule assessment sessions within two weeks of your signed consent.
- Your ARD meeting has been rescheduled more than once, especially if the reason given is "staffing" or "scheduling conflicts."
- You receive a Prior Written Notice that changes the evaluation scope without your agreement.
- The campus tells you they are "waiting on outside records" but never sent a records request.
If Your ARD Keeps Getting Rescheduled
NEISD is required to make a good-faith effort to schedule your ARD at a mutually agreed-upon time. But repeated rescheduling — particularly when it pushes past evaluation deadlines or delays the implementation of services — is a procedural violation. You have the right to request a specific date in writing and to note that the delay is causing your child to miss entitled services.
When to Escalate: TEA Complaints Against NEISD
If NEISD has violated your child's rights under IDEA — missed evaluation timelines, failed to implement IEP services, denied you meaningful participation in the ARD process, or changed your child's placement without proper notice — you can file a State Complaint with the Texas Education Agency. This is a formal mechanism under 34 CFR §300.151-153, and TEA is required to investigate and issue a decision within 60 calendar days of receiving your complaint.
How to File
Submit your complaint in writing to TEA's Division of Federal and State Education Policy, Special Education Unit. You can email it to sped@tea.texas.gov or mail it to TEA at 1701 N. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701. Your complaint must include: your name and your child's name, the name of the school (the specific NEISD campus), a description of the violation(s), the facts supporting your claim, and a proposed resolution. You must allege violations that occurred within the past one year.
Common Violation Types in Large Texas Districts Like NEISD
- Failure to complete evaluations within the 45-school-day timeline
- Failure to implement IEP services as written (especially speech, OT, and counseling minutes)
- Predetermination of placement before the ARD meeting
- Failure to provide Prior Written Notice when refusing a parent's request
- Inadequate transition planning for students 14 and older
Important: TEA complaint data and resolution letters are public record. You can request prior complaints filed against NEISD through a Public Information Act request to TEA. This can reveal patterns — if the district has been cited for the same violation multiple times, that strengthens your case and may trigger more aggressive TEA oversight.
What North East ISD Parents Should Do This Week
- Request your child's complete special education file — send a written request under FERPA to your campus principal and NEISD's central records office. You are entitled to all evaluation reports, ARD documents, service logs, progress monitoring data, and internal communications about your child. The district has 45 calendar days to comply under Texas law.
- Verify your child's service logs match their IEP. Ask the service provider (speech therapist, OT, counselor) for a printout of session dates and minutes delivered this semester. Compare it line by line to what the IEP says. If there is a gap, document it in writing to the campus special education chair immediately.
- Put your next request — any request — in writing via email. Phone calls disappear. Hallway conversations are deniable. An email to the ARD facilitator with a clear subject line ("Request for Independent Educational Evaluation" or "Request to Reconvene ARD") is a timestamped, admissible record.
- Download and read NEISD's Parent Guide to the ARD Process — but cross-reference it with TEA's actual procedural safeguards notice. Districts sometimes simplify their guides in ways that omit your rights, particularly around Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) and the right to disagree with ARD decisions without waiving future remedies.
- Mark your calendar: if your child's annual ARD is due before the end of this school year, the district must hold it before the anniversary date. If you have not received a scheduling notice, send a written request for the meeting date now. Do not wait for the district to initiate — they are required to, but in a district this size, things fall through cracks that look a lot like policy.
- Connect with the Bexar County special education parent community. The Parent to Parent of Texas San Antonio chapter and Disability Rights Texas (regional office in San Antonio) can provide free guidance. You do not have to navigate this alone, and you should not.
- If you suspect your child needs an evaluation and the district has not acted on your verbal concern — submit a written referral for a Full Individual and Initial Evaluation today. Hand-deliver it to the principal and email a copy to NEISD Special Education at the central office. The 45-school-day clock does not start until you put it in writing and they acknowledge receipt. Every day you wait is a day your child waits.
Frequently Asked Questions: North East ISD Special Education
Real questions San Antonio parents are searching for — answered with Texas law in mind.
Does North East ISD have a Child Find program to identify children who may need special education services?
Yes, North East ISD (NEISD) operates a Child Find program as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to locate, identify, and evaluate all children from birth through age 21 who may have disabilities and need special education services. This federal mandate applies to every school district in Texas, including NEISD in San Antonio. If you suspect your child has a developmental delay, learning disability, or other condition affecting their education, you can contact the NEISD Special Education Department or your child's campus to request an initial evaluation. Under Texas Education Code §29.004, the district must respond to your written referral within specific timelines—typically completing the evaluation within 45 school days. Early identification through Child Find helps ensure children receive appropriate interventions and supports as soon as possible.
How does special education work in Texas, and what rights do North East ISD families have?
Special education in Texas is governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Texas Education Code Chapter 29, which guarantee every eligible child a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) tailored to their unique needs. In North East ISD, students who qualify under one of the 13 federal disability categories receive an Individualized Education Program (IEP) developed by an ARD committee. Texas parents have extensive rights, including the right to participate in all ARD meetings, access educational records, request independent educational evaluations, and file complaints with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) if they disagree with the district. NEISD families also receive procedural safeguards notices explaining these protections. Texas law requires that special education services be provided in the least restrictive environment appropriate for each student.
Who is on the ARD Committee in North East ISD?
The ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) Committee in North East ISD includes the parent or guardian, at least one general education teacher, at least one special education teacher or provider, a district representative qualified to supervise specially designed instruction, and a person who can interpret evaluation results. Under IDEA §300.321 and Texas Education Code §29.005, the parent is a full and equal member of this committee. In NEISD, the district representative is often an assistant principal or special education coordinator from the child's campus. Parents may also invite outside professionals such as advocates, therapists, or attorneys. The student may attend when appropriate, and a transition services representative is included once the student turns 14 in Texas.
What are measurable IEP goals and how should they be written for students in North East ISD?
Measurable IEP goals are specific, quantifiable objectives that describe what a student is expected to achieve within the IEP year, and they are legally required under IDEA §300.320. In North East ISD, each goal in a student's IEP should include a clearly defined behavior, the conditions under which it will be performed, and the criteria for mastery—such as accuracy percentages, frequency counts, or time-based benchmarks. For example, rather than stating a child will 'improve reading,' a measurable goal would say the student will 'read a grade-level passage at 95 words per minute with 90% accuracy by the next annual ARD.' Texas Education Agency guidance emphasizes that goals must be based on present levels of performance. NEISD parents should review each goal carefully during the ARD meeting and request revisions if goals are vague or not tied to objective data.
What does ARD meeting mean for parents in North East ISD schools?
An ARD meeting is the Texas term for the committee meeting where a student's special education program is developed, reviewed, or revised—ARD stands for Admission, Review, and Dismissal. In North East ISD, this meeting brings together parents, teachers, specialists, and a district representative to make decisions about a child's eligibility, Individualized Education Program (IEP), placement, services, and accommodations. Under Texas Education Code §29.005, the ARD committee must reach agreement on the student's educational plan, and parents are equal decision-makers. Unlike most other states that refer to this simply as an IEP meeting, Texas uses the ARD process as the formal mechanism. NEISD schedules annual ARD meetings for each eligible student, though parents can request additional meetings at any time in writing.
Does North East ISD offer the same special education services available in Katy ISD?
Yes, North East ISD provides comprehensive special education services comparable to those offered by any Texas district, including Katy ISD, because all public school districts must comply with IDEA and the Texas Education Code Chapter 29. NEISD offers a full continuum of services, including inclusion support, resource classes, self-contained programs, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling, assistive technology, and transition services. The specific programs may differ in name or structure between districts, but the legal requirements remain the same. Every eligible student in NEISD is entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education designed through the ARD process. If you are relocating to San Antonio from Katy ISD, NEISD must hold an ARD meeting within 30 school days to review and implement a comparable IEP.
What is ARD in Texas schools and how does it apply at North East ISD?
ARD stands for Admission, Review, and Dismissal—a process unique to Texas that serves as the formal committee meeting where all special education decisions are made for a student. Under Texas Education Code §29.005, every school district, including North East ISD, must convene an ARD committee to determine eligibility, develop the IEP, decide placement, and plan services. The 'Admission' component addresses initial eligibility, 'Review' covers ongoing annual evaluations and progress monitoring, and 'Dismissal' applies when a student no longer qualifies for services. In NEISD, ARD meetings are typically held at the student's home campus. Parents are legally required members and must receive written notice at least five school days before the meeting, giving them time to prepare and participate meaningfully.
What should San Antonio parents expect at an ARD meeting in North East ISD?
At an ARD meeting in North East ISD, parents should expect a structured discussion about their child's special education eligibility, current performance levels, annual goals, services, accommodations, and placement. Texas Education Code §29.005 requires that parents be treated as equal members of the ARD committee. The meeting typically begins with introductions and a review of evaluation data, followed by discussion of the child's strengths and needs. NEISD staff will present proposed goals and service recommendations, and parents have the right to ask questions, suggest changes, and express disagreement. If consensus cannot be reached, parents may request a recess of up to ten school days under Texas law. San Antonio families should bring any private evaluations, progress notes, or written concerns to ensure the committee has complete information.
What are the legal requirements for ARD meetings in Texas that North East ISD must follow?
North East ISD must follow strict legal requirements for ARD meetings established by IDEA and Texas Education Code §29.005. The district must provide parents written notice of the meeting at least five school days in advance, including the purpose, time, location, and attendees. Meetings must be scheduled at a mutually agreeable time and place. All required committee members must attend unless the parent provides written consent for a member's absence. Parents must receive procedural safeguards at least once per year. Texas law also grants parents the right to a ten-school-day recess if agreement cannot be reached. NEISD must document all decisions in writing, and parents are entitled to a copy of the ARD document. If the district and parents disagree, the district may implement its proposal, but parents can pursue dispute resolution through TEA.
What do San Antonio parents need to know before their first ARD meeting in North East ISD?
Before your first ARD meeting in North East ISD, know that you are a full and equal member of the committee and your input carries the same weight as the district's. Under IDEA and Texas Education Code §29.005, you have the right to participate in every decision about your child's education. Prepare by reviewing all evaluation reports, gathering teacher feedback, and writing down your concerns and priorities for your child. You may bring an advocate, attorney, or other support person. Texas law requires NEISD to give you at least five school days' written notice before the meeting. During the meeting, do not feel pressured to sign immediately—you can request a recess of up to ten school days to review the proposed IEP. Ask for copies of all documents and take notes throughout the meeting.
Where can North East ISD parents find a comprehensive guide to the ARD process?
North East ISD parents can access ARD process guidance through several reliable sources. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) publishes a comprehensive parent guide called 'A Guide to the Admission, Review, and Dismissal Process,' available for free on the TEA website. This document explains eligibility, the IEP, parent rights, and dispute resolution under Texas Education Code Chapter 29 and IDEA. Additionally, NEISD's Special Education Department provides district-specific information about how ARD meetings are conducted on its campuses. The SPEDTex resource from TEA and the Texas Project FIRST helpline are also valuable tools for San Antonio families. Texasspecialed.com offers additional guides tailored to Texas parents navigating special education in districts like NEISD, including checklists and tips for meaningful ARD participation.
What role does the ARD play in special education for students in North East ISD?
The ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) committee is the central decision-making body for all special education matters in North East ISD. Under Texas Education Code §29.005, the ARD committee determines whether a student qualifies for special education, develops and revises the Individualized Education Program (IEP), selects the appropriate educational placement, and decides when services should end. Every decision about a NEISD student's specially designed instruction, related services, accommodations, behavior intervention plans, and transition planning must go through the ARD process. The committee meets at least annually but can be convened more frequently at the request of either parents or school staff. Parents are equal participants, and the ARD cannot finalize decisions without providing them the opportunity to meaningfully participate.
What does ARD mean in education and why is it important for North East ISD families?
ARD stands for Admission, Review, and Dismissal—the Texas-specific term for the committee and process that governs all special education decisions for students in public schools. While most states simply call it an IEP meeting, Texas law under Education Code §29.005 formally designates this process as the ARD. For North East ISD families, the ARD is critically important because it is the only legal mechanism through which your child can be found eligible for special education, receive an IEP, access specialized services, and be placed in appropriate educational settings. The ARD ensures compliance with IDEA's guarantee of a Free Appropriate Public Education. Understanding the ARD process empowers NEISD parents to advocate effectively for their children and hold the district accountable for delivering meaningful educational benefits.
How often are ARD meetings held in North East ISD and can parents request additional meetings?
In North East ISD, ARD meetings are held at least once per year as required by IDEA and Texas Education Code §29.005 to review and update each student's IEP. However, parents have the legal right to request additional ARD meetings at any time if they have concerns about their child's progress, services, placement, or any other aspect of the educational program. To request an additional meeting in NEISD, submit your request in writing to the campus special education coordinator or your child's case manager. The district must respond and schedule the meeting within a reasonable time. A full re-evaluation must occur at least every three years unless both the parent and district agree it is unnecessary. Parents should not wait for the annual review if urgent issues arise.
How does the IEP process work in Texas for students enrolled in North East ISD?
In Texas, the IEP (Individualized Education Program) is developed through the ARD committee process as outlined in IDEA and Texas Education Code §29.005. For North East ISD students, the process begins with a referral and evaluation to determine eligibility under one of the 13 disability categories. Once eligible, the ARD committee—including the parent, teachers, and district representatives—meets to create the IEP, which includes present levels of performance, measurable annual goals, special education services, related services, accommodations, and placement decisions. NEISD must implement the IEP as written and report progress to parents at regular intervals, typically each grading period. The IEP is reviewed and updated annually at the ARD meeting, and parents can request changes at any time by calling an additional ARD.
What makes the IEP process in Texas different from other states, and how does North East ISD implement it?
The IEP process in Texas is unique because it operates through the ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) committee framework, a term not used in other states. Under Texas Education Code §29.005, the ARD committee serves as the IEP team and makes all decisions about eligibility, services, goals, and placement. Texas also provides specific procedural protections, including a mandatory ten-school-day recess if parents and the district cannot reach agreement during an ARD meeting. North East ISD implements this process across all its campuses, with special education coordinators facilitating meetings and ensuring compliance with both federal IDEA requirements and state-specific rules from TEA. NEISD parents receive procedural safeguards explaining their rights, and the district must offer meetings at mutually convenient times.
What special education services and protections does Texas law provide to North East ISD students?
Texas law provides extensive special education services and protections to North East ISD students through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Texas Education Code Chapter 29. Every eligible NEISD student is entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that includes specially designed instruction, related services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling, assistive technology, and transition planning beginning no later than age 16. Texas also requires districts to provide extended school year services when necessary to prevent significant regression. Parents have rights to full participation in ARD meetings, access to all educational records, independent educational evaluations at district expense under certain conditions, and multiple dispute resolution options including mediation, due process hearings, and complaints to TEA. NEISD must comply with all these provisions.
How does the ARD process relate to special education services in North East ISD?
The ARD process is the legal gateway to all special education services in North East ISD. Under Texas Education Code §29.005 and IDEA, no student can receive special education services without first going through the ARD committee. This committee determines eligibility, designs the Individualized Education Program, specifies services and their frequency, selects the least restrictive educational placement, and establishes measurable goals. In NEISD, the ARD committee also addresses related services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral supports. Every change to a student's special education program—whether adding a service, modifying goals, or changing placement—must be approved through the ARD process. Parents are equal members and must be provided meaningful opportunities to participate in these decisions at every stage.
What does the term Texas ARD mean and how does it affect families in North East ISD?
Texas ARD refers to the Admission, Review, and Dismissal process, which is the state's legally mandated framework for making all special education decisions in public schools. Governed by Texas Education Code §29.005 and aligned with IDEA, the Texas ARD process directly affects North East ISD families because it is the only formal process through which their children can be evaluated for eligibility, receive an IEP, obtain specialized services, and be placed in appropriate educational settings. The term encompasses both the committee of participants and the meeting itself. For NEISD families, understanding the Texas ARD process is essential to effective advocacy. Key features include the parent's role as an equal decision-maker, the right to a ten-day recess when disagreements arise, and the requirement that all ARD decisions be documented and provided to parents.