In a state with a checkered history with federal special education law, advocates say Texas students will see an erosion of their disability rights protections.

Proponents say the changes would better serve special education students with widely varying needs — and help schools pay for it.

KSAT exclusive video shows an altercation between two students and a special education teacher at an NEISD school in October 2024.

School officials says the state decision to cut federal money likely will hurt their ability to recruit and retain critical staff for students with disabilities.

Edgewood ISD is one of many districts in the area and statewide working to recruit special education teachers. The starting teacher salary is nearly $60,000, with a $3,000 stipend for certified special education teachers.

Texas public schools can allow corporal punishment, which includes hitting, spanking, paddling or deliberately inflicting physical pain to discipline students.