LA JOYA ISD presents special-education audit showing low outcomes; superintendent proposes constraints and progress measures

LA JOYA ISD officials presented findings from a third‑party special‑education audit and outlined district recommendations and proposed superintendent constraints aimed at improving outcomes for students with disabilities.

The audit, conducted with Bellwether Education Partners and presented by Dr. Derek Little, the district—s chief of academics and school leadership, found that less than a quarter of students receiving special education services met grade‑level standards and that "fewer than 5 percent of our special ed students actually have graduated college ready historically in La Jolla ISD," Little said. He said the district has about 14% of students identified for special education compared with an expected range of roughly 10%–12% for comparable systems.

The audit examined student outcomes, classroom instruction, family engagement, leadership and talent, and operations and infrastructure. It recommended a systemwide emphasis on multi‑tiered systems of support (MTSS) to reduce premature referrals, higher‑quality individualized education programs (IEPs),…