BROWNSVILLE, Texas — Brownsville Independent School District is changing how it documents special education services as Texas moves to a funding system based on the intensity of services each student receives.
The new model replaces an approach that focused more heavily on where a student received services. Districts must now document individualized supports in areas including instruction, behavior, communication and personal care. Student needs are organized across eight funding tiers.
Brownsville ISD began preparing for the transition during the spring and summer and applied for a state grant to support the work, district Special Education Director Adriana Lippa said.
About 7,200 students received special education services in Brownsville ISD during the previous school year, representing roughly 20% of district enrollment.
Lippa said the change could benefit districts by tying resources more closely to services instead of a student’s placement. Two students in similar classroom settings could generate different funding amounts when their documented support needs differ.
The immediate task is ensuring that services are accurately recorded in each student’s individualized education program. Missing state reporting deadlines could place funding at risk.
District officials said additional funding could support services for students, staff training and parent resources, particularly as Brownsville ISD reports continued growth in the number of students with autism.
Sources:
Original report
