Advocates and former education officials are concerned about the future of special education in Texas following a Trump administration decision to cut staff in the special education office of the Department of Education. The firings happened last week amid the government shutdown, but a federal judge has temporarily blocked the layoffs as a court battle between unions and the federal government ensues. Margaret Spellings, the former secretary of education in the George W. Bush administration, said the development is very worrisome for states that rely on federal colleagues to help them comply with federal law and better serve kids with special needs. “I think it’s really sad and disappointing for students all across this country,” Spellings said. She described the Office of Special Education Programs within the DOE as the last line of defense for special education parents. The office helps administer funds to state education agencies and acts as a watchdog for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).