In addition to implementing peer-to-peer programs between special and general education students, the district is planning several virtual meetings where parents can learn more about transitioning their students from special education to post-graduation.
Board President Kristin Tassin emphasized the importance of expanding collaboration between Adult Transition Service programs and community partners—including local colleges and technical programs—to broaden real-world opportunities for graduates. The programs aim to equip students with postsecondary education, training or employment.
“I just want to make sure that we're offering these things in an inclusive environment because that's transitioning now into adult transition services ... an inclusive environment ... so we need to make sure that they're prepared to go out into that,” she said.
The gist
Stephens said several students in ATS programs have gained hands-on experience working at local businesses such as Burlington, Walgreens and DoubleDave’s. Students have also supported the district’s cafeterias and operated student-run enterprises like Elkins High School’s homecoming mum shop.
“The goal is independence,” Stephens said. “We want students to transition into meaningful employment and community life after graduation.”
Get involved
Stephens said the district continues to strengthen its partnership with families through events such as the Adult Transition Fair in the spring, organized in partnership with the nonprofit Arc of Fort Bend County, and the virtual “Noon Know-How” learning sessions for parents.
Upcoming “Noon Know-How” meetings include:
- Nov. 4 on Microsoft accessibility tools for learning
- Nov. 11 on workforce readiness and pre-employment services
- Dec. 2 on behavior support for preschoolers with disabilities
- Jan. 13, 2026, on transitional planning
- Feb. 2, 2026, on middle school and high school planning for current fifth and eighth graders
- March 3, 2026, on the role of parents in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal, or ARD, process for curriculum development
- April 7, 2026, on self-advocacy for children with disabilities
Zooming out
At the Adult Transition Fair in May, the district connected special education families with local nonprofits and government agencies to support students’ transition out of high school. Nonprofit leaders encouraged parents to contact their local IDD, or intellectual and developmental disability, authorities—Fort Bend County Texana Center or The Harris Center—to request placement on Medicaid waiver interest lists for long-term residential, vocational and health care services after students age out of public school resources.
The waitlist for long-term care could last from 10-15 years, a timeline that is expected to increase as schools are now mandated to refer families to IDD authorities upon receiving a special education designation.
Another thing
After a successful pilot of the Partner PE program—which pairs general and special education students in a shared physical education setting—at Sartartia Middle School this semester, Stephens said district officials plan to expand the program across middle school school campuses by the 2026-27 school year.
“We want it to be simple, scalable and sustainable, and we want people to look at it, and we want it to be aspirational,” Stephens said.
Meanwhile, Tassin, a parent of a student with Down syndrome, said that peer-to-peer inclusion helps both special and general education students.
“It is very refreshing ... to see that we're shifting our mindset and changing the culture a bit and understanding that peer to peer support,” she said.
Looking ahead
To date, FBISD staff have completed 389 re-evaluations, with more than 2,500 due this school year, said Dahria Driskell, executive director of special education.
She emphasized the importance of accuracy and timeliness, noting the district remains committed to meeting all state-mandated deadlines while ensuring each evaluation is comprehensive and student-centered.
“What you see is a team that is not only meeting timelines, but doing high-quality work that truly benefits students,” she said.
Stephens also said FBISD is among the several districts selected for the Texas Education Agency’s cyclical audit—a five-year compliance review process that assesses the effectiveness of special education services. He said the district expects to receive results in December and plans to share outcomes publicly.
