AUSTIN, Texas – State leaders are taking steps to improve the state's special education program.

The U.S. Department of Education found the state illegally denied services to students with disabilities for years.

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The overhaul would create a statewide special education deployment system. It calls for increased staffing, better training for teachers and more tools for parents.

The system will also help school districts identify students who were denied special education. After hearing from the public, a revised plan will be released in March.