For years, the Conroe Independent School District had refused to evaluate her identical twins for special education services, even after the otherwise bright boys tested in the second percentile in reading and began showing other clear signs of dyslexia.

It’s a scene that has played out across Texas, where a target limiting special education enrollments to 8.5 percent has led many frustrated families to leave public schools and turn to private schools or home schooling. In the 20 major districts with the biggest special ed declines, withdrawals have soared by 44 percent. In the 20 major districts where special ed rates haven’t changed much, withdrawals have dropped by 18 percent.

Benner and Hayden initially got good grades, records show, but they performed better on assignments that did not involve reading. On one report card, for example, Benner got 90s in math and science but a 70 in language arts, barely enough to pass.

On the recommendation of a private therapist, the Graus requested special education evaluations in 2011, when the boys were in first grade.

But Buckalew Elementary, which at the time gave special education to just 6.3 percent of its students, said no, arguing that the boys did not need help because they were passing.

The Graus said they asked again throughout 2011 and 2012 but that the answer was always the same.