The University of Houston Embraces Hybrid Instruction
Region One: A Border Region
Texas public schools that comprise the Region One educational area, as designated by TEA, are in the southern most portion of the state within seven economically depressed counties, five of which share the Rio Grande with Mexico. The enrollment by ethnicity figures indicates that this population is 96.1% Hispanic, 3.3% White, 0.4% Asian/Pacific Islander, 0.2% Black, and 0% American Indian, and that 84.3% are considered to be economically disadvantaged (Region One Educational Service Center, 2003). The number of children with autism identified in this region grew from 42 in 1994 to 451 in 2003, an increase of 974%, compared with an increase of 33% for all children in special education (29% statewide), and 18% growth in the overall student population for Region One during the same period. In 1994, the number of special education teachers in this region was 1,345 compared with 1,799 in 2003. This represents an increase in special education teachers of 34% (Texas Education Agency, 2003). See Table 2.
| 1994 | 2003 | % Change | |
| Students with Autism in Region One | 42 | 451 | 974% |
| Students Receiving Special Education in Region One | 24,167 | 32,237 | 33% |
| Students Receiving Special Education in Texas | 389,458 | 502,700 | 29% |
| General Student Population in Region One | 267,328 | 314,566 | 18% |
| Number of Special Education Teachers in Region One | 1,345 | 1,799 | 34% |
Next, Enhancement of Special Education Programs via Interactive Video Teleconferencing