Texas Debates Impact of School Vouchers on Special Education

Proposed voucher programs could shift educational options for special needs students while raising concerns about funding and accessibility.

Texas lawmakers are considering private school voucher programs that would provide families with taxpayer-funded financial assistance to cover private school tuition.
The House proposal offers up to $30,000 annually for special education students, while the Senate plan provides a smaller increase over the general $10,000 voucher amount.
Critics argue that vouchers may leave public schools with higher concentrations of special education students, as private schools are not obligated to accept or accommodate them.
Supporters point to Florida's voucher system, which has expanded private school options for special education students, though concerns about accessibility and funding persist.
Parents of special education students are divided, with some seeing private schools as a better fit and others worried about high costs, limited availability, and the potential weakening of public school resources.