Houston ISD will continue implementing its Student Success Program for the 2026-27 school year. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is investigating complaints regarding the district’s recent special education changes, even as Houston ISD moves forward with its planned reforms.

The Student Success Program includes creating smaller classes, increasing classroom staffing, reducing age ranges within self-contained classrooms, providing additional specialized staff training, and expanding opportunities for inclusive learning experiences. District leaders stated during a May board meeting that the changes are intended to improve academic outcomes through these structural adjustments. They also affirmed that students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) would not be changed without an Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) Committee meeting.

Deputy Superintendent Kristen Hole said the program is designed to better meet student needs. "The Student Success Program is designed to provide students with stronger instructional supports, additional resources, and learning environments that better meet their needs," she said. Hole added that every student will continue receiving the services outlined in his or her Individualized Education Program.

Houston ISD continues to review students' IEPs as part of its intervention exit criteria. The district stated it contacts families to schedule an ARD meeting if a review determines one is necessary for a student during the 2026-27 school year. It also clarified that a change in school location alone does not require an ARD meeting if a student’s IEP and services remain unchanged. "Placement refers to the special education services and supports identified in a student’s IEP. Location refers to the campus where those services are provided," the district explained.

The district has notified affected families through letters, phone calls, and emails over the past several weeks. Houston ISD emphasized that students’ IEPs remain in effect unless changes are formally made by an ARD Committee.

Parents and special education advocates expressed concern that some students in self-contained programs could be reassigned to different campuses without required ARD meetings. Advocates also warned that consolidating self-contained programs at fewer campuses could reduce opportunities for students with disabilities to learn alongside their non-disabled peers.

TEA confirmed in May that it had received multiple complaints about Houston ISD’s special education changes. The agency stated, "TEA is in receipt of multiple complaints and will be investigating each," and added that "each complaint is thoroughly investigated by TEA." It also encouraged concerned parties to file formal complaints. Hole acknowledged the ongoing reviews, saying, "We will continue implementing these improvements while completing the reviews directed by TEA."

Why It Matters

Houston ISD is the largest public school system in Texas and the eighth-largest in the United States, making changes to its special education delivery model impactful for thousands of students with disabilities. The TEA investigation centers on whether procedural safeguards—particularly around IEP modifications and campus reassignments—were followed during the rollout of the Student Success Program.