This report of a Texas task force centers on state policy for educating students with disabilities, the foundation for the policy, and strategies for implementing the policy goals. The 32-member task force included teachers, school administrators, parents, community service professionals, and others. The need for restructuring services for students with disabilities is discussed, with attention to characteristics of students in special education, including grade level patterns, gender, race and ethnicity, types of disabilities, instructional settings, testing results, and retention and dropout rates. The policy statement is presented, focusing on mission and philosophy; assessment, curriculum, and instruction; professional growth and development; organization; and family and community. Five concepts underlying the policy are identified: individualization, collaboration, communication, integration, and transformation. Issues and recommendations are considered for each area of the policy statement. Immediate first steps in the implementation of the policy for education of students with disabilities are presented in chart form, indicating roles for each part of the education system. (Contains 51 references.) (SW)