Texas Education Agency










*January 2024*




*Special Education Newsletter**
*






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Announcements


Innovative Services to Students With Autism Grant Award

The purpose of this grant opportunity is to *increase capacity across Texas schools to implement innovative programs that effectively serve students with autism ages 3-21*. This grant will be available to Texas school districts and open-enrollment charters, with priority given to collaborations across local education agencies (LEAs). The *application window will open in February*. Visit the Innovative Services for Students with Autism Grant Award Program webpage [ [link removed] ] for additional information and updates. 

 

High Cost Fund (HCF): New Payment Process For HCF Reimbursement Awards

Effective with the 23-24 HCF application, *TEA is implementing a new payment process for LEAs*. The HCF award amount will be posted in the LEA’s approved HCF application on *July 1, 2024*. Awardees will receive an email with a link to a HCF Reimbursement Payment Request form by *July 15, 2024*. LEAs must submit the payment request form to TEA by *August 9, 2024*, ensuring it does not exceed the award amount or the LEA’s actual expenditures for HCF students, whichever is less.  Upon TEA approval, the payment will be direct deposited by *August 31, 2024*. Please refer to the HCF webpage [ [link removed] ] for information and resources.






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Upcoming Dates


* *February 29: *Deadline for the 2022-2023 Cameras in the Classroom Survey to be completed in the Legal Framework [ [link removed] ]. Questions? Reach out your regional Legal Framework representative listed on the website. 
* *March 1 - May 1*: HCF application period for 2023-2024. Please refer to the HCF webpage [ [link removed] ] for additional information and resources. 
* *March 15*: The Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES) application closes for this school year. Last chance to apply for the SSES+ Medically Fragile Program. For more information and to apply, visit the SSES website [ [link removed] ]. 
* *April 12: *Deadline for LEA’s who received a Significant Disproportionality 3 letter to complete the assurance statement in the Legal Framework [ [link removed] ].  Questions? Reach out your regional Legal Framework representative listed on the website.
* *April 24*: Early bird registration deadline for the Texas Autism Conference [ [link removed] ]
* *June 12*: General registration deadline for the Texas Autism Conference [ [link removed] ]
* *June 20 - 22*: Texas Autism Conference [ [link removed] ] in Austin, Texas (virtual options available). Family day is June 22 and is FREE of charge. 
* *December 6*: SSES+ Medically Fragile Program ends

Don't forget to check out TEA's Special Education Webinars and Newsletters website [ [link removed] ] for a list of upcoming events with their agendas. 

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*Did you know... *

*that every January 4th is World Braille Day [ [link removed] ]? *

 

January 4th is Louis Braille's birthday. He was born in 1809 and invented braille when he was only 15 years old after becoming blind as a result of a childhood accident. *This day reminds us all about the importance of accessibility and independence for people who are blind or visually impaired.* Check out Texas SPED Support's Blind/Visually Impaired topic page [ [link removed] ] to find resources to support this population of students. Additionally, check out the National News section of this newsletter for accessibility-related resources. 

 



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Photograph of Kim Brannan
Office of Special Populations and Student Supports (OSPSS) - 

Staff Highlight

For 2024, we wanted to highlight the amazing staff in OSPSS who are here to support you! This month's staff highlight is *Kim Brannan*, Director of Special Education Technical Assistance and author of these monthly Special Education Newsletters. Kim has worked for TEA over 18 years, 14 years in Student Assessment and 4 in OSPSS. She is a former special education teacher and taught in a self-contained classroom, resource, inclusion, and content mastery. Kim is a 4th generation Austin-ite and lives in Leander with her husband, 2 kids (college freshman and high school junior), and 2 dogs (Oreo and Lola). Kim identifies with TEA's core value - Servant Leadership - and strives to improve opportunities for students with disabilities and provide support to those who serve them by producing high-quality technical assistance resources for Texas educators. 





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In This Issue


* Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES) Updates [ #link_2 ]
* 32nd Annual Texas Autism Conference [ #link_7 ]
* Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) [ #link_5 ]
* State Assessment Educator Item Review Committees [ #link_1 ]
* Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Implementation Guide [ #link_6 ]
* Nonpublic Off-Campus/Day and Residential Requirements and Reminders [ #link_4 ]
* Learning Ally Great Reading Games (GRG) [ #link_8 ]
* Literacy and Math For All Training Opportunities [ #link_10 ]
* NATIONAL NEWS [ #link_3 ]
Texas SPED Support
Monthly Spotlight:

Texas SPED Support [ [link removed] ] houses *hundreds of resources for administrators, teachers, and support staff who work with students with disabilities*. Have a parent who needs specific information? Want to take an online course with your team? Need a template to track student data? Want to see a video of a teaching strategy in action? All of this and more can be found on Texas SPED Support and *can be shared directly with others or posted to your social media*! 

 

*Follow us on social media for real-time updates. *
Follow on Facebook, Instagram, & Threads: @TexasSPEDSupport
Follow on Twitter: @TXSPEDSupport






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    DEPARTMENT NEWS


Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES) Updates

*The SSES application will be closing on March 15, 2024, and will re-open next school year on February 3, 2025. *This is a one-time-only grant; if you have previously applied for or received an SSES grant, you will not be able reapply. *The SSES program is a $1,500 online grant for parents/caregivers of eligible students served by special education and who are enrolled in a Texas public school.* Families of eligible students can *use the online accounts to shop the marketplace to obtain educational materials and resources,* such as textbooks, curriculum, or technology devices, and/or services, such as additional speech therapy, tutoring, or other specific services.

 

*The SSES+ Medically Fragile program will be ending on December 6, 2024.* However, since the application closes on March 15, 2024, this will be the last time families can apply and take advantage of the SSES+ Medically Fragile program. *Families that currently have SSES+ Medically Fragile accounts or apply before March 15, 2024, will have until December 6, 2024, to spend these funds.* Students who would have qualified for the SSES+ Medically Fragile program will still be eligible for the SSES program if they have not previously received an account. *The SSES+ Medically Fragile program is a $5,000 online grant for parents/caregivers of eligible students served by special education and determined as “Medically Fragile” by their ARD Committees and who are enrolled in a Texas public school.* For more information about eligibility, go to our SSES+ Medically Fragile website [ [link removed] ].

 

*Apply for the SSES Program* [ [link removed] ]


32nd Annual Texas Autism Conference

Registration is now open for the 32nd Annual Texas Autism Conference!* Educators, professionals, and families* are welcome to join on* June 20-22, 2024. In-person (Austin, TX) and virtual options* are available for this conference. This conference provides educators and campus leadership with *strategies, resources, and evidence-based practices in the education of students with autism*. Early-bird pricing for the conference is available through *April 24, 2024*.    

 

*Register Now* [ [link removed] ]


Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA)

The TEA has partnered with the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) to offer *UNLIMITED access to ATIA online courses for all educators, support staff, and parents serving students across Texas*.  

 

These *online education programs include live and recorded versions by national experts* on a variety of topics across the spectrum of the assistive technology industry sectors. Online courses are 60 and 90 minutes in length. *Complimentary CEUs* are available for completion of these programs. In addition to the stand-alone sessions, Texas specific bundles have been created to guide users through learning pathways to meet professional or tool specific needs.  

 

Visit the Texas ATIA subscription page and *use access code PD24INCLUSIONTX* to take advantage of these resources. 

 

*Go To ATIA Now* [ [link removed] ]


State Assessment Educator Item Review Committees

Each year the *TEA invites groups of Texas educators to provide feedback on the development of state assessments* (STAAR, STAAR Alternate 2, and TELPAS) through educator committees across all assessed grades and content areas. Developing high-quality, aligned questions relies on the expertise and experience of Texas educators. Participants collaborate with other educators from across the state to review and approve each potential question for state assessments. *TEA is currently accepting applications from all districts to participate in item review committees all subjects and grade levels*. 

 

If you know of any educators (including yourself!) who might be interested in participating in these review meetings, please encourage them to apply using the link below.* Meetings are typically held during the spring and summer*. If selected, an invite will be sent with all the logistical information. 

 

The commitment is generally* two to three days in Austin with all travel, accommodations, and substitute coverage paid for by TEA*. All participants will *earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits*. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

 

*Apply Now* [ [link removed] ]


Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Implementation Guide

Has your staff completed TEA's UDL courses [ [link removed] ] in TEALearn? Are they looking for additional guidance on implementation? If so, the UDL Implementation Guide for Educators in Texas is the resource you’ve been hoping for. In this guide you will find the *UDL Classroom Implementation Rubric*, which outlines the progression of UDL implementation and growth. It also *includes strategies and tips for educators* to use as they build their capacity to implement UDL. We hope this guide will support you on your journey of designing inclusive learning environments. 

 

*Go To Guide* [ [link removed] ]


Nonpublic Off-Campus/Day and Residential Requirements and Reminders

Please take a moment to *review the Nonpublic Division’s latest resource [ [link removed] ] outlining state and federal requirements pertaining to off-campus placements*. Please pay special attention to frequently overlooked requirements *including mandatory state reporting requirements and PIEMS restraint reporting requirements*. 

 

*Have a Question* <[email protected]>


Learning Ally Great Reading Games (GRG)

TEA has provided funding for K-12 public and charter schools to support their struggling readers with the Learning Ally Audiobook Solution, including high quality, human-read audiobooks and a suite of educator resources. So, to start the new year off right, Learning Ally is excited to kick off a journey of *cultivating strong reading habits* with the Great Reading Games (GRG)! Building a love for reading is not only enriching but also easy, and Learning Ally is here to support you every step of the way.

 

*What You Can Do:*

*Ensure that all eligible students have access to their Learning Ally accounts.* If you're wondering how to make students eligible for the GRG, Learning Ally has got you covered. Watch the video guide on making students eligible [ [link removed] ] to navigate this process seamlessly.

 

*How Learning Ally Supports You:*

Learning Ally has also compiled a comprehensive GRG Educator Guide [ [link removed] ] to provide valuable insights and tips. You can access the guide to enhance your GRG experience and effectively guide your students.

 

Learning Ally is committed to assisting you in promoting GRG and fostering a culture of reading in your school. Feel free to reach out if you need any additional resources or guidance. Learning Ally is here to help you every step of the way! Connect with your State Advancement Specialist by emailing [email protected].

 

*Get Started Today* [ [link removed] ]


Literacy and Math For All Training Opportunities

*Literacy For All* is a* free, two-day training* worth *12 continuing professional education (CPE) credits*. This training delves into the science of teaching reading & explores how cognitive processes impact learning foundational literacy skills.

 

*Literacy For All* [ [link removed] ]


*Math For All* is a *free, one-and-a-half day training* worth *9 CPE credits*. It is designed to help educators build capacity in understanding how specific disabilities impact students’ learning of mathematics.

 

*Math For All * [ [link removed] ]


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*SHOUT OUT* to ESC region 13 for their commitment to Extended Core Curriculum (ECC) Events!

The  teachers of students with visual impairments (TSVIs) and certified orientation and mobility specialists (COMS) at ESC region 13 have been busy this year with *a variety of ECC activities for students who have visual impairments *



*or are deaf blind and their families. * In September, they hosted a *Self-Defense Training* specifically for students with visual impairments and, in collaboration with the Health and Human Services Blind Children’s Program*, *they offered an *assistive technology (AT) event* for students and families called “AT Empowerment.”  Families were able to interact with a variety of AT and learned how appropriate AT determinations are made. Families also heard from college students who now use AT in their college courses and workplace. For Austin’s White Cane Day in October, the region arranged for *American Ninja Warriors to come and facilitate an obstacle course*. They also brought devices from the region's *AT Preview Center* for students and parents to explore. Coming up in February, ESC region 13’s team will host *Low Vision on the Road* and the *Central Texas Braille Challenge*. *Over 80 students and their families participated in these ECC events thus far this year. *ESC region 13 also offers ECC mini grants to their LEAs so they too can provide meaningful ECC activities. 

 

Reach out to your regional ESC team to ask if your region hosts similar ECC events for students and their families. 

 

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NATIONAL NEWS

Accessible Educational Materials

Only have 15 minutes to learn about accessible materials and technologies? These *AEM Center resources [ [link removed] ]* have been selected to help you get up to speed quickly and focus on the information you need to get started with accessible materials and technologies based on your role. 

 

Contact AEM Center’s Technical Assistance Specialists at *[email protected]* <[email protected]> if you need support or have questions.

 

 

Early Childhood Transition Q-&-A Released

OSEP has released the *2023 Early Childhood Transition Questions and Answer [ [link removed] ]s* to assist state lead agencies, early intervention services (EIS) program and providers, state educational agencies, and LEAs in ensuring a seamless transition for children with disabilities who received EIS under IDEA Part C to eligibility for and receipt of preschool services under IDEA Part B.  

 

The questions and answers included in this document clarify the respective IDEA Parts B and C responsibilities in implementing these early childhood transition requirements for infants and toddlers with disabilities into preschool special education or other early childhood programs, including appropriate monitoring, technical assistance, and accurate reporting of data and other required information for the SPP/APR transition indicators (SPP/APR Part C Indicator 8A, 8B and 8C and SPP/APR Part B Indicator 12).

 

 

Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs

The U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services *announced [ [link removed] ]* the release of an updated joint-policy statement on supporting the inclusion of children with disabilities in early childhood programs. The joint statement sets the expectation that inclusion continues as a child transitions into elementary school, emphasizes the need to increase public awareness and understanding of the science that supports inclusion of children with disabilities in early childhood programs, and reinforces the legal foundations that support inclusion. 

 

The HHS-ED *Policy Statement on the Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs [ [link removed] ] *includes a renewed commitment and urgency, as children with disabilities continue to face barriers accessing and fully participating in inclusive early childhood programs. 

 

 

New Inclusive Technology Video Series With Professional Learning Kits

Check out and share the *Building a Foundation for Inclusive Technology Systems Video Series* [ [link removed] ] from the *Center on Inclusive Technology & Education Systems’ (CITES)* [ [link removed] ]. The videos each have a supporting Professional Learning Kit, which include details for a professional learning session with resources such as a detailed agenda with activities, sample slide deck, and sample emails to recruit attendees. The video topics are:


* *The What & Why of Inclusive Technology* [ [link removed] ]
* *Cultivating a Culture of Inclusive Practices* [ [link removed] ]
* *CITES Framework Overview* [ [link removed] ]
* *Inclusive Technologies in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support* [ [link removed] ]* *

Reach out to the CITES team with any questions *[email protected]* <[email protected]>.

 

 

New Resource on MTSS for Students with the Most Significant Cognitive Disabilities

The National Center on Educational Outcomes (NCEO) recently published a tool on *Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) for Students with the Most Significant Cognitive Disabilities* [ [link removed] ]. It includes a fact sheet that identifies strategies parents can use to help ensure their child benefits from MTSS, as well as a set of frequently asked questions that provide details about MTSS.

 

 

Involving Students in Selecting and Implementing Accommodations

NCEO has a brief that contains *Suggestions for Involving Students in Selecting and Implementing Accommodations* [ [link removed] ]*.* Students are often the best source of information about their strengths and needs and what accommodations would help the most.

This brief synthesizes and summarizes research on the perceptions of students with disabilities regarding accommodations and provides suggestions for soliciting students’ perceptions on accommodations and involving them in advocating for their needs.

 

 






SPEDTEX

SPEDTex is a website for parents and families of students who receive special education services. Join the SPEDTex mailing list [ [link removed] ] or visit the site to locate resources [ [link removed] ]you need.




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Job Listings


Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES) Specialist (Education Specialist IV) [ [link removed] ]






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