Interim Charge: Study the effectiveness of public school programs serving special education students, including autistic students. Specifically, consider whether special education services are adequately preparing students for post-secondary opportunities. The review should also include the availability and quality of the supports and services provided by adult services agencies for individuals with disabilities. Make recommendations for improving public school special education programs and the coordination of adult education services among state agencies.

Current Practices for Special Education

• Gene Lenz, Deputy Associate Commissioner for Special Programs, Texas Education Agency
• Kathy Clayton, Director, IDEA Coordination, Texas Education Agency
• Document 1, Document 2
• Judith Moening, Ph.D., Executive Director for Special Education, North East ISD
• Leslie Goodfellow, Parent
• Deya Velasco, Parent

Transitions to Post-Secondary Life

• Jim Hanophy, Assistant Commissioner for Rehabilitation Services, Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)
• Jon Weizenbaum, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS)
• Tina Schultz, Director, Office of Disability Services, Texas State University-San Marcos
• Melissa L. Olive, Ph.D., BCBA, Center for Autism and Related Disorders
• Laura G. Buckner, M.Ed., LPC, The Arc of Texas, Parent

Public Testimony - Special Education Charge

• Terri Blades
• Mark Colditz
• Christine Gianadda
• Colleen Horton
• Mara LaViola
• Zenobia Joseph
• Document 1, Document 2
• Marty Murrell
• Patty Quinzi
• Cynthia Singleton
• Mary Jane Williams

Interim Charge: Review and make recommendations regarding best practices for programs targeted to improve the academic success of limited English-proficient students.

Current Practices for English Language Learners (ELLs)

• Georgina K. González, Bilingual/ESL Director, Curriculum Division, Texas Education Agency
• Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan, Ed.D., Researcher for University of Houston, Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation and Statistics
• Leo Gómez, Ph.D., Professor, University of Texas Pan American
• Document 1, Document 2
• Lori Taylor, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Bush School of Government and Public Service, Texas A&M University

Public Testimony - English Language Learners