KATY, Texas — A Katy ISD family is speaking out after claiming their son, a special education student, has not been receiving the appropriate educational support required by law.
Cassi and Randy Baden have filed a complaint with the Texas Education Agency (TEA). They're accusing the district of failing to provide the services their 5-year-old son, Ezra, is entitled to under his Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
“There’s just no excuse, absolutely no excuse. We’re just asking for what we feel is fair, a free and appropriate education for our son," Cassi said.
Cassi and Randy said Ezra has only been receiving assistance from paraprofessionals instead of a certified special education teacher, which his parents and an advocate argue is a violation of the state's special education regulations.
Special education advocate Karen Mayer Cunningham said paraprofessionals are not permitted to handle IEP-related duties without direct supervision from a certified teacher.
“What Katy ISD is doing is they’re putting paraprofessionals in their room for special education minutes. This district has gone to a blatant policy of deciding who they’re going to put in the room," Cunningham said.
Cunningham filed the formal complaint with the TEA on behalf of the Badens. She said the district has failed to make any changes despite discussions with school officials.
Randy said Ezra has only seen a special educator four times and was denied additional support when requested.
The Badens hope their formal complaint will prompt the TEA to take action.
“We want him to be able to be successful in the community, and for him to be able to do that, we need to make sure that there are appropriate educators in the classroom with him,” Cassi said.
As of now, Katy ISD has not responded to requests for comment. The Texas Education Agency has confirmed that an investigation is underway.