South Central Austin Edition | May 2023

MAKING IMPROVEMENTS

LEVELS OF STATE INTERVENTION The Texas Education Agency is eyeing a conservatorship for Austin ISD, but the district is asking for a monitor instead.

Austin ISD officials have identified dozens of tasks, split into three goals, to improve special education services.

SOURCE: AUSTIN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Goal 1: Establish a clear, inclusive vision with community support

Goal 2: Implement strong instruction and support systems

Goal 3: Meet state evaluation and compliance requirements

Example: Develop a plan to use during walkthroughs to assess if evidence-based practices are being used

Example : Improve system for evaluations and individualized education program reports

Example : Increase family and community engagement and outreach to build trust

TEA MONITOR

Monitors report to the TEA on the activities of the board of trustees or the superintendent. Example: Round Rock ISD, 2021

17 32 45

Complete:

29 16

In progress:

Total tasks*

Not started:

*AS OF MARCH 15

TEA CONSERVATOR MANAGEMENT TEAM

particularly in employing the needed numbers and quality of licensed specialists in school psychology, presents a maddingly intractable sit- uation that is the focus of the daily work of the department,” said Fran- ces Stetson of Stetson & Associates— the independent consulting firm hired by AISD to conduct a review of the special education department. How we got here Heather Merritt, a former AISD special education teacher at Travis Early College High School who still works in the district, has worked for AISD since 2004. “It has been difficult, and we rec- ognize that. We are ready and willing to help our students with disabilities, and we want to make sure they have the services they need,” Merritt said. At an April 3 board meeting, AISD attorney Pam Kaminsky said there were several factors that contrib- uted to the backlog of evaluations for special education, including an evaluator shortage and an increase in referral rates for the department. Kaminsky said Austin was not alone in struggling to conduct

evaluations during the pandemic. As of press time May 22, AISD interim Superintendent Matias Segura and board President Arati Singh did not return requests for comment. The plan Members of a labor union for AISD employees, Education Austin, spoke out against the TEA’s plan at a press conference April 3. “What we need from the state is money—money to fill the positions to support our kids in this district,” Education Austin President Ken Zari- fis said. Zarifis said he and his colleagues realize AISD has issues with its special education services, but he believes the school board and Segura will work with other local groups to solve them. The TEA report laid out several recommendations beyond the con- servatorship for improvements to the special education department. The report states AISD must acquire a new external audit—at the expense of the district—to address the issues in the special education department.

The district must also implement training for its staff and board to address the deficiencies in the spe- cial education department. What’s next On April 17, the district requested an informal review by the TEA to determine if a monitor would be more appropriate than a conservator management team, AISD Media Rela- tions Specialist Elizabeth Lippincott said. “The TEA does not have a set time period to respond, but we hope it is soon,” Lippincott said. A monitor would oversee the district’s progress on its backlog, but would not have binding deci- sion-making power. If the TEA disagrees with the request for a monitor, the conserva- tor will be put in place. The district can make a final appeal to the state office of administrative hearings, which works to resolve disputes between Texas agencies and other entities. This office would make the final decision. Regardless, Jake Kobersky, the director of media relations with the

A conservator oversees the district and has decision-making power. Board and interim superintendent stay in place. Example: Current proposal in AISD

TEA TAKEOVER

A state-appointed management team takes over at the district, removing the board. Example: Houston ISD, 2023

SOURCE:TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

TEA, said agency officials look for- ward to working with the district to appropriately serve all students in need of special education services. “This issue started three boards and four superintendents ago. … It will take a lot of hard work, and some- times that takes time,” Singh said in a board meeting April 3. “We want our students to meet their full potential in a loving way that lifts them up, and we are all 100% devoted to that.”

Come hang out and enjoy the vibe on our new Moody Patio. Live DJ sets, food & drinks, and immersive art— plus more inside the galleries. To purchase tickets, scan the QR code or visit blantonmuseum.org/SecondSaturdays FREE for Blanton Members. Don’t miss our first Second Saturday. JUNE 10, 2023  3�8 PM

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION • MAY 2023