Guest guest Posted April 16, 2008 Report Share Posted April 16, 2008 Amen to that. You parents in Cy Fair need to be watching your services, etc - because they announced a 24 million dollar shortfall for next year and said budget cuts were coming - staff reduction, etc. Be paying attention, I'd like to see those cuts come in administrative pay, and not in reducing services/staff. Perhaps Cy Fair should consider asking HISD for a loan - they seem to have loads of money to give their head honcho a huge bonus on top of a huge salary. Please -- everyone, be contacting your legislators in Austin! Yes I realize it's a 2-edged sword in that they have money and waste it on lawyers, etc., but overall they do not get all they need, especially for special education. I'm sure if the special ed. budget received a million more dollars FOR STAFF AND TRAINING, they would gladly hire BCBA's and better train and equip teachers. Sincerely, Michele mom2boysplano wrote: No, that is not what I said. I'm sorry you misunderstood. Since this is a message board to discuss autism, and discussions have centered on the inadequate services for these children specifically in our public schools, it is also appropriate and relevant to look at those numbers in terms of the potential impact on the autism student population. More so than the entire student population whose needs are not as extreme. Obviously, the surplus would never be assigned to only students with autism, or even entirely to the public school education budget. But it provides an interesting contrast to splitting that figure across the entire student base. Autism is by far the most highly litigated area of special education. If we took the money going to the school law firms and assigned it directly to providing services to children with autism, that would not be " short-sighted " either. > > > > $7 billion in reserve sounds like a lot of money until you consider that > > Texas had 4,576,993 students enrolled in public schools in the 2006-2007 > > school year. That breaks down to $1,529 per enrolled student. These > > numbers came from > http://www.tea.state.tx.us/perfreport/aeis/2007/state.html > > . When you consider that per pupil spending for the 2005-2006 > school year > > (most recent available at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/cgi/sas/broker) was > > $7,504 how much difference could an additional $1,529 per child make? > > > > > > > > Tonya > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 16, 2008 Report Share Posted April 16, 2008 how about HCISD ? are they getting anything? --- " M. Guppy " wrote: > Amen to that. > > You parents in Cy Fair need to be watching your > services, etc - because they announced a 24 million > dollar shortfall for next year and said budget cuts > were coming - staff reduction, etc. > > Be paying attention, I'd like to see those cuts > come in administrative pay, and not in reducing > services/staff. > > Perhaps Cy Fair should consider asking HISD for a > loan - they seem to have loads of money to give > their head honcho a huge bonus on top of a huge > salary. > > Please -- everyone, be contacting your legislators > in Austin! > > Yes I realize it's a 2-edged sword in that they > have money and waste it on lawyers, etc., but > overall they do not get all they need, especially > for special education. > > I'm sure if the special ed. budget received a > million more dollars FOR STAFF AND TRAINING, they > would gladly hire BCBA's and better train and equip > teachers. > > > Sincerely, > Michele > > mom2boysplano wrote: > No, that is not what I said. I'm sorry you > misunderstood. Since this > is a message board to discuss autism, and > discussions have centered on > the inadequate services for these children > specifically in our public > schools, it is also appropriate and relevant to look > at those numbers > in terms of the potential impact on the autism > student population. > More so than the entire student population whose > needs are not as > extreme. Obviously, the surplus would never be > assigned to only > students with autism, or even entirely to the public > school education > budget. But it provides an interesting contrast to > splitting that > figure across the entire student base. > > Autism is by far the most highly litigated area of > special education. > If we took the money going to the school law firms > and assigned it > directly to providing services to children with > autism, that would not > be " short-sighted " either. > > > > > > > > $7 billion in reserve sounds like a lot of money > until you > consider that > > > Texas had 4,576,993 students enrolled in public > schools in the > 2006-2007 > > > school year. That breaks down to $1,529 per > enrolled student. These > > > numbers came from > > > http://www.tea.state.tx.us/perfreport/aeis/2007/state.html > > > . When you consider that per pupil spending for > the 2005-2006 > > school year > > > (most recent available at > http://www.tea.state.tx.us/cgi/sas/broker) was > > > $7,504 how much difference could an additional > $1,529 per child make? > > > > > > > > > > > > Tonya > > > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > > > > > > > > M. Guppy > My autism journey isn't about waiting for the storm > to pass, it's about learning to dance in the > rain.... Texas Autism Advocacy: > www.TexasAutismAdvocacy.org > " There are some aspects of a person's life that we > have no right to compromise. We cannot negotiate > the size of an institution. No one should live in > one. We cannot debate who should get an inclusive > education. Everyone should. We cannot determine > who does and who does not get the right to make > their own choices and forge their own futures. All > must. " > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 16, 2008 Report Share Posted April 16, 2008 It sure is! Why would the state dedicate 100% of the budget surplus to only 10% of the students in the state though. That's not something I see legislators doing. Could you imagine the uproar from the other disability groups, not to mention the general education population? Tonya From: Texas-Autism-Advocacy [mailto:Texas-Autism-Advocacy ] On Behalf Of Sofia Hohnholt Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 7:48 AM To: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Subject: +Re: $7 billion reserve So special ed only consists of kids with autism? Only considering kids with autism is very short-sighted. Sofia Re: $7 billion reserve Posted by: " mom2boysplano " emilyrhill@... <mailto:emilyrhill%40hotmail.com> mom2boysplano Tue Apr 15, 2008 10:34 pm (PDT) What if we run those number based on students with autism? Wasn't it something like 17,000 estimated for fiscal impact of SB 1000? I'm getting $41,177 per student. Sounds like a lot to me. > > $7 billion in reserve sounds like a lot of money until you consider that > Texas had 4,576,993 students enrolled in public schools in the 2006-2007 > school year. That breaks down to $1,529 per enrolled student. These > numbers came from http://www.tea.state.tx.us/perfreport/aeis/2007/state.html > . When you consider that per pupil spending for the 2005-2006 school year > (most recent available at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/cgi/sas/broker) was > $7,504 how much difference could an additional $1,529 per child make? > > > > Tonya > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 16, 2008 Report Share Posted April 16, 2008 , Why do you feel the need to criticize? I'm working now and at night is the only time I get to respond. Besides, the posts were within 24 hours and provided additional information on the states that were being held up as examples. Tonya From: Texas-Autism-Advocacy [mailto:Texas-Autism-Advocacy ] On Behalf Of mom2boysplano Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 11:10 PM To: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Subject: +Re: $7 billion reserve Hey Tonya- You're way behind in the posts. It would probably be a good idea to catch up on the threads before responding to misunderstandings that have already been addressed and put to rest. No need to go around the mulberry bush. Just a thought. Isn't there a Disability Message Board in Texas that doesn't focus on autism and would cover some of us who want to address the needs of the disability community as a whole? I have family members with other disabilities too, but right now I'm focused on the urgency of children with autism not getting their needs met in a timely way in our state, and the outrageous legal battles families are facing much more in this area of disability than the others. I kind of thought that's what this message board was for. > > > > $7 billion in reserve sounds like a lot of money until you consider that > > Texas had 4,576,993 students enrolled in public schools in the 2006-2007 > > school year. That breaks down to $1,529 per enrolled student. These > > numbers came from > http://www.tea.state.tx.us/perfreport/aeis/2007/state.html > > . When you consider that per pupil spending for the 2005-2006 > school year > > (most recent available at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/cgi/sas/broker) was > > $7,504 how much difference could an additional $1,529 per child make? > > > > > > > > Tonya > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 16, 2008 Report Share Posted April 16, 2008 Mark, It will probably be the weekend before I get to read this. We have the TEA's Public Input at ESC-17 tomorrow and I'm focusing on that tonight. Tonya From: Texas-Autism-Advocacy [mailto:Texas-Autism-Advocacy ] On Behalf Of mark colditz Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 10:52 PM To: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Subject: +Re: $7 billion reserve Tonya, I am sure you agree we are here to advocate for Autism. Look again at what the California Legislative put together for Autism families. http://senweb03.senate.ca.gov/autism/autismlegislation.html http://www.sacbee.com/111/story/832784.html " The next step in this cause and in this movement is making sure that autism and autism spectrum disorder are a top-tier public health priority, " said Steinberg, who sponsored the initiative and chaired the autism commission. " California Senator Darrell Steinberg It is " top-tier " .... maybe the Texas " general education " citizens will agree with what is being legislated for in California. I think they would and will :>) I thinking spending more than 7.5K for Texas Autism students would be wonderful. Mark > > > > $7 billion in reserve sounds like a lot of money until you consider that > > Texas had 4,576,993 students enrolled in public schools in the 2006-2007 > > school year. That breaks down to $1,529 per enrolled student. These > > numbers came from > http://www.tea.state.tx.us/perfreport/aeis/2007/state.html > > . When you consider that per pupil spending for the 2005-2006 > school year > > (most recent available at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/cgi/sas/broker) was > > $7,504 how much difference could an additional $1,529 per child make? > > > > > > > > Tonya > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2008 Report Share Posted April 17, 2008 Good memory! Yes there was a group of us that met up for dinner after the first North Texas Autism Summit in June 2004. I think Liz or Kim put it together. I've still got the photo and press release! Tonya From: Texas-Autism-Advocacy [mailto:Texas-Autism-Advocacy ] On Behalf Of Amy A.Sosa Sent: Thursday, April 17, 2008 9:39 AM To: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Subject: RE: +Re: $7 billion reserve Liz, Tonya and others - weren't we all part of another group of parents that were trying to some special issues addressed that only focused on autism? It was years ago and I remember meeting for dinner after a Autism Treatment Center conference. Also we met another time in Arlington. I will have to go back and see if I can remember what we were trying to accomplish. Amy Fighting the fight for all our children's rights... _____ From: Texas-Autism-Advocacy <mailto:Texas-Autism-Advocacy%40yahoogroups.com> [mailto:Texas-Autism-Advocacy <mailto:Texas-Autism-Advocacy%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of Tonya Hettler Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 10:27 PM To: Texas-Autism-Advocacy <mailto:Texas-Autism-Advocacy%40yahoogroups.com> Subject: RE: +Re: $7 billion reserve It sure is! Why would the state dedicate 100% of the budget surplus to only 10% of the students in the state though. That's not something I see legislators doing. Could you imagine the uproar from the other disability groups, not to mention the general education population? Tonya From: Texas-Autism- <mailto:Texas-Autism-Advocacy%40yahoogroups.com> Advocacy <mailto:Advocacy%40yahoogroups.com> [mailto:Texas-Autism- <mailto:Texas-Autism-Advocacy%40yahoogroups.com> Advocacy <mailto:Advocacy%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of Sofia Hohnholt Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 7:48 AM To: Texas-Autism- <mailto:Texas-Autism-Advocacy%40yahoogroups.com> Advocacy <mailto:Advocacy%40yahoogroups.com> Subject: +Re: $7 billion reserve So special ed only consists of kids with autism? Only considering kids with autism is very short-sighted. Sofia Re: $7 billion reserve Posted by: " mom2boysplano " emilyrhillhotmail (DOT) <mailto:emilyrhill%40hotmail.com> com <mailto:emilyrhill%40hotmail.com> mom2boysplano Tue Apr 15, 2008 10:34 pm (PDT) What if we run those number based on students with autism? Wasn't it something like 17,000 estimated for fiscal impact of SB 1000? I'm getting $41,177 per student. Sounds like a lot to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2008 Report Share Posted April 17, 2008 HA Tonya - that was either Alzheimer's or a flash back that comes with hot flashes. :-) I did finally remember the group and all those that were involved. And a pretty impressive group of very strong advocates in our community that pretty much everyone knows. I do remember now what the focus was on with us wanting to address issues related to autism and insurance, training for sped staff, separating AU from inclusion with mental health, monitoring of TEA with respect to IDEA, insurance parity, and setting up some autism centers and grants for implementing some programs specific to the needs of educating kids with AU. And no - I didn't just remember that all in a flash back! I had to reach back in the deep dark corners of my mind. Cob webs and all. And you surely will keep that photo to yourself I hope. LOL Amy Fighting the fight for all our children's rights... _____ From: Texas-Autism-Advocacy [mailto:Texas-Autism-Advocacy ] On Behalf Of Tonya Hettler Sent: Thursday, April 17, 2008 3:28 PM To: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Subject: RE: +Re: $7 billion reserve Good memory! Yes there was a group of us that met up for dinner after the first North Texas Autism Summit in June 2004. I think Liz or Kim put it together. I've still got the photo and press release! Tonya From: Texas-Autism- <mailto:Texas-Autism-Advocacy%40yahoogroups.com> Advocacy [mailto:Texas-Autism- <mailto:Texas-Autism-Advocacy%40yahoogroups.com> Advocacy ] On Behalf Of Amy A.Sosa Sent: Thursday, April 17, 2008 9:39 AM To: Texas-Autism- <mailto:Texas-Autism-Advocacy%40yahoogroups.com> Advocacy Subject: RE: +Re: $7 billion reserve Liz, Tonya and others - weren't we all part of another group of parents that were trying to some special issues addressed that only focused on autism? It was years ago and I remember meeting for dinner after a Autism Treatment Center conference. Also we met another time in Arlington. I will have to go back and see if I can remember what we were trying to accomplish. Amy Fighting the fight for all our children's rights... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 19, 2008 Report Share Posted April 19, 2008 Mark, Thanks for sharing this link. It's always good to see what other states are doing to gather ideas for what could be an option for Texas. Several of the items you referred to are already in place or in the pipeline here. I've inserted some notes and are sending this to the list since I think there are others who will be interested. Tonya California bills found at: http://senweb03.senate.ca.gov/autism/autismlegislation.html California: SCR 97 Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism Texas: The 2005 SB882 authorized the Autism Rule Study Committee which resulted in the new Autism Supplement. We also have the Texas Council on Autism and PDD. http://www.dads.state.tx.us/autism/index.cfm California: SB 527 (Early Identification of ASD) Texas has the new DARS $5 million program that not only identify the children, but provide services. From the press release: " The Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) has selected four providers for a pilot program to serve Texas children with autism spectrum disorder. The new $5 million initiative will expand services for children ages 3 to 8 and should begin by April 1. " California: SB 1175 (Expansion of Housing for Individuals with ASD) Texas: There was a group in Dallas a few years ago working on this. I don't know the status of the project, but the ASA Chapter there should. The Burkhart Center at Texas Tech University is also working for fundraising for this right now. California: SB 1364 (Health and Safety Code relating to ASD) Texas: I'm not aware of anyone working on this in Texas but it could be happening somewhere. :-) California: SB 1475 (Pilot on Transitional Services for Early ASD Treatment) Texas: Once again, the DARS programs. To find out more about the agency's services, call the DARS Inquiries Line at 1-. Information about DARS is also available at www.dars.state.tx.us . California: SB 1531 (Police Officer Training on ASD) Texas: FEAT-Houston & Singleton has been working on this in their area. I'm sure they would be willing to share information with anyone who would like to get the program going where they live. In addition, various groups have brought in Dennis Debbaut recently. http://www.policeandautism.cjb.net This wasn't a legislative mandate, it was people coming together to do what is right. California: SB 1563 (Health Insurance Coverage of ASD) Texas: HB1919 is a beginning on this. As has been stated many times on this email list, HB1919 isn't the end product, it's the beginning that will get our families' foot in the door. California: AB 1872 (Establish State Clearinghouse for the Education of Students with ASD) Texas: TEA is in the process of this right now. A " Recommended Practices " Manual has just been contracted for and is in the process of being written. It will be posted online so it is available to all. The website is up at http://www.txautism.net/index.html . It's not a finished product either, but instead, a work in progress that will be added to. California: AB 2302 (Expanding Credentials for Special Education Teachers to Educate Students with ASD) Texas: This has been discussed in various groups before. My personal opinion is that while it sounds good in theory, it could backfire especially for the higher functioning children. So much of Texas is rural and only has a handful, or less, of children on the spectrum in their districts. They can't afford, nor would they, put a certified autism specialist with each child. If this is mandated, I could see these smaller districts using co-ops with other districts and all the children with an ASD being lumped into one classroom at a central location regardless of their age or functioning level. That sure wouldn't be the LRE nor in our children's best interests. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 19, 2008 Report Share Posted April 19, 2008 Glad to help. I must ask though why did the Texas State Council on Autism and Pervasive Development Disorders March 2008 Update provide no arguments on behalf of families being clubbed by Due Process, attorneys and the legal courts? It is mute .... so how in Heaven are we supposed to be able to level the field when our Texas Council does not acknowldge the travesties occurring in our State over and over again. How many Yeaman families must we have? By God, compare California's Blue Ribbon report, Chapter Six is totally dedicated to the wrong of the system!! http://tinyurl.com/68c9fe Page, Adobe is p53 Viewer page is p61 of 101 California Policy Recommendations 1. Expand the development and broad implementation of effective models for dispute resolution involving special education services, including existing models that successfully integrate local education agencies and families into collaborative decision making. Models would include parent ombudsman programs, training, and other enhanced communication strategies to resolve disputes effectively and empower families to have meaningful participation at the negotiation table with local education agencies. Model programs should include efforts to promote a child's smooth transition to local education agency programs for children at age three. 2. Direct the state of California to provide a comprehensive and independent review of the process for resolving disputes at the state and local levels regarding the Early Start, special education, and regional center services for individuals with ASD. The review should determine the nature of the disputes, different resolution processes, outcomes for individuals, families and service agencies, effective models of dispute resolution, factors associated with successful outcomes, and differences across service agencies. 3. Direct the Department of Developmental Services and the Department of Education to collect information from regional centers and local education agencies about their legal and other costs for formal dispute resolution and litigation involving persons with ASD. > > Mark, > > Thanks for sharing this link. It's always good to see what other states are > doing to gather ideas for what could be an option for Texas. Several of the > items you referred to are already in place or in the pipeline here. I've > inserted some notes and are sending this to the list since I think there are > others who will be interested. > > Tonya > California bills found at: > http://senweb03.senate.ca.gov/autism/autismlegislation.html > > California: SCR 97 Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism > Texas: > The 2005 SB882 authorized the Autism Rule Study Committee which resulted in > the new Autism Supplement. > We also have the Texas Council on Autism and PDD. > http://www.dads.state.tx.us/autism/index.cfm > > California: SB 527 (Early Identification of ASD) > Texas has the new DARS $5 million program that not only identify the > children, but provide services. From the press release: > " The Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) has selected > four providers for a pilot program to serve Texas children with autism > spectrum disorder. The new $5 million initiative will expand services for > children ages 3 to 8 and should begin by April 1. " > > California: SB 1175 (Expansion of Housing for Individuals with ASD) > Texas: There was a group in Dallas a few years ago working on this. I don't > know the status of the project, but the ASA Chapter there should. > The Burkhart Center at Texas Tech University is also working for fundraising > for this right now. > > California: SB 1364 (Health and Safety Code relating to ASD) > Texas: I'm not aware of anyone working on this in Texas but it could be > happening somewhere. :-) > > California: SB 1475 (Pilot on Transitional Services for Early ASD Treatment) > Texas: Once again, the DARS programs. To find out more about the agency's > services, call the DARS Inquiries Line at 1-. Information about > DARS is also available at www.dars.state.tx.us . > > California: SB 1531 (Police Officer Training on ASD) > Texas: FEAT-Houston & Singleton has been working on this in their > area. I'm sure they would be willing to share information with anyone who > would like to get the program going where they live. In addition, various > groups have brought in Dennis Debbaut recently. > http://www.policeandautism.cjb.net This wasn't a legislative mandate, it > was people coming together to do what is right. > > California: SB 1563 (Health Insurance Coverage of ASD) > Texas: HB1919 is a beginning on this. As has been stated many times on this > email list, HB1919 isn't the end product, it's the beginning that will get > our families' foot in the door. > > California: AB 1872 (Establish State Clearinghouse for the Education of > Students with ASD) > Texas: TEA is in the process of this right now. A " Recommended Practices " > Manual has just been contracted for and is in the process of being written. > It will be posted online so it is available to all. The website is up at > http://www.txautism.net/index.html . It's not a finished product either, > but instead, a work in progress that will be added to. > > California: AB 2302 (Expanding Credentials for Special Education Teachers to > Educate Students with ASD) > Texas: This has been discussed in various groups before. My personal > opinion is that while it sounds good in theory, it could backfire especially > for the higher functioning children. So much of Texas is rural and only has > a handful, or less, of children on the spectrum in their districts. They > can't afford, nor would they, put a certified autism specialist with each > child. If this is mandated, I could see these smaller districts using > co-ops with other districts and all the children with an ASD being lumped > into one classroom at a central location regardless of their age or > functioning level. That sure wouldn't be the LRE nor in our children's best > interests. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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