Belton, TX: Number of students in SPED doubled in 7 yrs; questions raised
- 2 hours ago
- 1 min read
The number of students eligible for the Belton Independent School District special education program has nearly doubled since 2019, leading to school board members considering how to handle continued growth.
Gabi Niño, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning for the district, explained the student increase in a presentation to the school board on Monday, June 15. Nino said changes in criteria for eligibility had contributed to the jump in needed services.
In the 2019-20 school year, Belton ISD had 1,695 students in its special education population. In the 2025-26 school year, that number increased to 2,899. . . .
“The bar for eligibility was lowered, and it resulted in a significant increase in students who met eligibility,” Niño said. Students with gaps in their academic performance can be tested for learning disabilities.
Additionally, in the 2022-23 school year, the district began counting students with dyslexia among the special education population, which led to an increase in the count as well, Niño said. . . .
Board Vice President Erin Bass questioned the validity of the increases in numbers, asking if the situations in question constituted learning disabilities or something else.
“We use data, we use research-based assessments to identify students, and this is absolutely a statewide trend,” Niño responded. “However, the criteria to meet eligibility did change and did result in a dramatic increase in students, and the biggest change is the cognitive discrepancy ruling.” . . .
Comments