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Texas Education Agency










*September 2024*




*Special Education Newsletter**
*






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orange megaphone
Announcements


Rulemaking

A *commissioner rule amendment to 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §97.1071 [ [link removed] ] was effective on September 18, 2024*. This rule on monitoring, review, and support was amended to *clarify current practices and to align with federal requirements for the TEA to follow when evaluating the performance of special education programs*. New text in this rule addresses how TEA will address what is termed an "area of concern," including the guidelines that will apply to the process of investigating and issuing findings for alleged violations of IDEA, Part B, and the actions TEA may take when receiving, investigating, substantiating, and acting on a substantiated area of concern.

 

Additionally, *Volume 2 of the Back to School Updates [ [link removed] ] has recently been posted and includes changes resulting from commissioner rule amendments to the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), effective August 22, 2024*. Topics include:


* Child Find outreach activities for residential facilities
* Instructional arrangements and settings
* General program requirements and local district procedures
* Interventions and Sanctions
* Referral for the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI) and Texas School for the Deaf (TSD) services
* Transportation of students placed in the TSBVI or TSD
* Contracting for nonpublic residential placements for the provision of a free and appropriate public education (FAPE)
* Contracting for nonpublic or non-district operated day placements for the provision of FAPE

Please note that the Back to School Update volume 1 [ [link removed] ] was posted in the August edition of the TEA Special Education Newsletter and contained the highlights of several Commissioner of Education and State Board of Education rule changes.

 

 

Statewide Individualized Education Program (IEP) Digital Platform Sentiment Survey

TEA has been *asked by various stakeholders to consider developing or adopting a statewide IEP digital platform* for all local education agencies (LEAs) to use. *A statewide IEP digital platform means all LEAs use the same IEP form with the same required content, while the digital platform is the web-based system for LEAs to manage student IEPs. *

 

TEA is partnering with American Institutes for Research® (AIR®) to gauge the interest in a statewide IEP digital platform of stakeholders across the state. If you are an *Education Service Center (ESC) special education director, district-level administrator, campus-level staff, a parent or guardian of a student receiving special education services, or a community member with a vested interest in this topic*, please click on the button below to share your opinion. The survey should take *no longer than 10 minutes to complete*. Thank you in advance for your participation!

*Take Survey Now* [ [link removed] ]






calendar
Upcoming Dates


* *9/9 - 10/30*: Race to Read Competition "(see details in the Department News section)"
* *9/26 from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. CST*: Significant Disproportionality (SD) Workshop-Discipline Alternatives: Deep Dive into Restorative Practices [ [link removed] ]
* *10/8 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. CST*: HHSC DHHS webinar -  Understanding the Functions of Cochlear Implants and Bone-Anchored Hearing Devices as Communication Tools [ [link removed] ]
* *10/15 from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. CST*: HHSC DHHS webinar -  Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Spotlight: Resource Specialist Program [ [link removed] ]
* *10/21 from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. CST*: SD Workshop-Understanding Identification and Representation [ [link removed] ]
* *10/24 from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. CST*: SD Workshop-Contributing Factors to Significant Disproportionality in Identification [ [link removed] ]
* *10/30 from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. CST*: HHSC DHHS webinar -  Perspectives of a Deaf or Hard of Hearing Patient: Situations, Strategies and Solutions [ [link removed] ]
* *11/6 from 11:00 - 1: p.m. CST*: HHSC DHHS webinar -  Understanding Hard of Hearing Perspectives and Support Needs [ [link removed] ]
* *11/13 from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. CST*: HHSC DHHS webinar -  How to Self-Assess and Improve Your ASL Skills [ [link removed] ]
* *11/18 from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. CST*: SD Workshop-Evaluating Your LEA's Placement Practices [ [link removed] ]
* *11/19 from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. CST*: HHSC DHHS webinar -  Lunch and Learn: Programs offered by Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services [ [link removed] ]
* *11/22 from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. CST*: SD Workshop-Using Data to Inform Your Placement Practices [ [link removed] ]
* *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, previous webinar recordings, and past editions of the Special Education Newsletter. 

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*Did you know... *

*Deaf Awareness Week in Texas is September 23-29, 2024? *

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Texans play significant roles in shaping the personality of our great state. Governor Abbott has proclaimed September 23-29, 2024, to be Deaf Awareness Week in Texas [ [link removed] ]. This proclamation recognizes the contributions of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community to our society as they  bring valuable perspectives and give innovative input in the workforce, schools, and at home.



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image of Dr. Lang

This month's staff highlight is *Dr. Gaye Lang, Interim Director of TEA's Student Supports Division and Statewide Director of Restorative Practices. *

 

Dr. Lang is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. She is a highly qualified educator with over 50 years of

expertise. Dr. Lang has served as an elementary and middle school principal, a teacher for primary and secondary level students, college professor, and a director/project manager for school systems in Louisiana, California, and Texas. She was a White House Presidential appointee who helped implement the No Child Left Behind Act. She has also held positions such as Deputy Associate Commissioner in the School Services Division, Director of School Turnaround,  and a Senior Advisor to the TEA Commissioner of Education. Dr. Lang is a published author. Her publications include a Benjamin Franklin Silver award winning book in 2020. G. Lang 2016, _Restorative Discipline Practices_ Lang. G. (2009). _This Is How We Do It! The School Turnaround Challenge_, Lang. (2004), and numerous articles for collected volumes and journals.

 

The impact Dr. Lang has on people carries on today. She was recognized at the Dillard University 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame for her cheerleading and was given the 2024 Pearly Leadership Award for her Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.





* Texas Driving with Disability Resources on the TEA Website [ #link_7 ]
* Free Library Services for Students with Disabilities [ #link_5 ]
* Race to Read Competition [ #link_6 ]
* 2024 LEADS Workshop Series: Addressing Significant Disproportionality [ #link_9 ]
* COMING SOON! Texas Assistive Technology (AT) Support Website [ #link_10 ]
* HHSC Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Webinars [ #link_4 ]
* HHSC Accepting Comments on Proposed ECI Rules [ #link_11 ]
* Shout Out to LEAs Who Attended Pave the Way With MTSS Training of Trainers [ #link_8 ]
* TEA Engagement Opportunities [ #link_1 ]
* State Assessment Educator Item Review Committees [ #link_2 ]
* NATIONAL NEWS [ #link_3 ]

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In This Issue

Texas SPED Support
Monthly Spotlight:

Did you know that 

Texas SPED Support [ [link removed] ] celebrated it's *1 year anniversary*? This website launched on August 31, 2023, as the one-stop-shop for special education resources and professional development reviewed and approved by TEA. In the past year Texas SPED Support has *surpassed 350,000 users, over 11.5 million website events (i.e., interactions), over 150,000 file downloads, and almost 250,000 course enrollments. In addition, Texas SPED Support has almost 900 followers and over 500 subscribers. *

 

Don't miss out on all that Texas SPED Support has to offer! 

 

Follow on Facebook & Instagram: @TexasSPEDSupport
Follow on Twitter: @TXSPEDSupport






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DEPARTMENT NEWS

 

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Texas Driving with Disability Resources on the TEA Website

*As required by Texas Education Code §29.0113 [ [link removed] ], Texas public schools must provide information about the options available through the Texas Driving with Disability initiative.* Resources have been published on the TEA website to support schools in sharing information, as appropriate, including a guide for families that can be printed and shared.

 

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]


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Free Library Services for Students with Disabilities

*Texas students with visual, physical, or reading disabilities can receive free library services through the Talking Book Program (TBP)!* TBP has books and magazines available in *audio, braille, and large print* formats. And through TBP, students can access the *Braille Audio and Reading Download service* (BARD), which offers over 150,000 titles. These titles download straight to a phone, tablet, or computer with no wait times or due dates.

 

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]


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Race to Read Competition

TEA is partnering with Learning Ally to provide free access to human-read audiobooks for eligible students from K-12 local education agencies (LEAs).  Enroll [ [link removed] ] for an educator account by completing the Educator Access Form.

 

*Get Your Engines Started! * Learning Ally is excited to announce their *Race to Read Competition* running from *now until October 31, 2024*! Race to Read is a dynamic, school-wide challenge designed to boost student reading and foster a love for learning across campuses. *No registration is needed since all students with a Learning Ally account are eligible!*

 

*Important Dates:*


* *September 9: *Competition Begins
* *October 31: *Competition Ends
* *September 9- November 4*- Check your inbox for weekly emails that include valuable resources, updates, and deadlines
* *November 8: *Winner emails sent out
* *November 11:*  Deadline to complete the Winner Acknowledgement Form
* *December 2:* Prizes mailed out

Let’s Race to Read and make a difference in students’ lives!

 

*Review Guidelines and Directions* [ [link removed] ]


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2024 LEADS Workshop Series: Addressing Significant Disproportionality

The Texas Leaders and Educators Addressing Disproportionality in Special Education (LEADS) project is pleased to announce the launch of the 2024 fall workshop series designed to *extend your capacity to address issues of significant disproportionality* among students receiving special education services.

 

Participants will *learn from expert presenters, participate in collaborative activities to better understand contributing factors to significant disproportionality, learn strategies for addressing significant disproportionality, and engage in small group discussions with other LEA staff with similar significant disproportionality designations*. Participants will leave each workshop motivated to become champions of this work in their LEA and equipped with the tools and resources to help address significant disproportionality.  

 

*Participants will gain knowledge and skills in:*


* understanding significant disproportionality in discipline, identification/representation, and placement of students receiving special education services,
* understanding the data analysis process needed to address disproportionality,
* identifying contributing factors to disproportionality, and
* developing strategies to address significant disproportionality in their LEA.

*Who Should Attend?*

LEA staff who want to learn more about addressing significant disproportionality and have received a determination of significant disproportionality for one or two years are encouraged to attend this workshop series. Ideally, each participating LEA would engage a team of stakeholders with diverse perspectives and expertise to join the workshop series together to maximize the learning opportunities and thoughtfully plan next steps for acting on the learning after each session.

 

*Registration Information*

Three two-part workshops will be presented in this series. Participate in all workshop sessions or choose the ones that most closely align with the issues of significant disproportionality that your LEA needs to address.

 

*Exploring Practices: Significant Disproportionality in Discipline*


* Workshop 1, Data Drill Down-What is Your Discipline Data Telling You, was held on 9/23. 
* 9/26 from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. CST: Workshop 2-Discipline Alternatives: Deep Dive into Restorative Practices [ [link removed] ]

*Exploring Practices: Understanding* *Significant Disproportionality in Identification/Representation*


* 10/21 from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. CST: Workshop 1-Understanding Identification and Representation [ [link removed] ]
* 10/24 from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. CST: Workshop 2-Contributing Factors to Significant Disproportionality in Identification [ [link removed] ]

*Exploring Practices: Significant Disproportionality in Placement*


* 11/18 from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. CST: Workshop 1-Evaluating Your LEA's Placement Practices [ [link removed] ]
* 11/22 from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. CST: Workshop 2-Using Data to Inform Your Placement Practices [ [link removed] ]

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COMING SOON! Texas Assistive Technology (AT) Support Website

Effective selection of assistive technology (AT) requires an understanding of the functional impact of a disability on a student’s ability to perform tasks. Soon you will be able to explore the Texas AT Support website, a* vast library of essential tools and support for educators* to enhance learning for students with diverse needs. You’ll discover valuable information on *how to integrate these assistive technologies effectively*, including* guides on selecting the right tools*, *training materials* for both students and staff, and *examples of best practices*. 

 

Check out the topic "Assistive Technology" on Texas SPED Suppor [ [link removed] ]t in the coming weeks to explore what Texas AT Support has to offer. 

 

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HHSC Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Webinars

HHSC Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS) will host several webinars open to the public throughout Sept - Nov 2024. See below for more information and registration links for each event. *Each registration link leads to a detailed description of the training event.* Please share this announcement with anyone who might be interested. Email questions to DHHS Training & Education <[email protected]>.


* 10/8 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. CST: Understanding the Functions of Cochlear Implants and Bone-Anchored Hearing Devices as Communication Tools [ [link removed] ]
* 10/15 from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. CST: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Spotlight: Resource Specialist Program [ [link removed] ]
* 10/30 from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. CST: Perspectives of a Deaf or Hard of Hearing Patient: Situations, Strategies and Solutions [ [link removed] ]
* 11/6 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. CST: Understanding Hard of Hearing Perspectives and Support Needs [ [link removed] ]
* 11/13 from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. CST: How to Self-Assess and Improve Your ASL Skills [ [link removed] ]
* 11/19 from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. CST: Lunch and Learn: Programs offered by Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services [ [link removed] ]

 

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HHSC Accepting Comments on Proposed ECI Rules

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) program’s proposed amendments to the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) were published in the Texas Register on Sept. 13, 2024. *HHSC ECI is accepting comments from stakeholders on the proposed rule amendments to 26 TAC, Part 1, Chapter 350, relating to ECI services through Oct. 14, 2024.*

 

*Proposed ECI Rules*

To read the proposed ECI rules, visit the Texas Register [ [link removed] ]. 

 

*Oral Comments at the ECI Advisory Committee Meeting*

Oct. 8, 2024, 1 p.m.

Information for this hearing, including the location and a detailed agenda, will be available soon on the ECI Advisory Committee website [ [link removed] ].

 

*Written Comments*

HHSC will also accept written comments on the proposed amendments to the rules. These may be submitted at the public hearing, by mail or email. Written comments must be received by 5 p.m. on Oct. 14, 2024.

 

Health and Human Services Commission

Early Childhood Intervention Program

4601 W. Guadalupe Street

Mail Code 3029

Austin, Texas 78751

[email protected]

 

*Additional Information*

Additional tips for submitting comments and information about the rules process can be found on the HHS Rulemaking website [ [link removed] ].

 

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Shout Out to LEAs Who Attended Pave the Way With MTSS Training of Trainers

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A *huge shoutout to all the educators who #TIERed across Texas to join us for the Pave the Way With MTSS (multi-tiered system of supports) summer 2024 training-of-trainers for district leadership teams*! It was an incredible time filled with learning, collaboration, and valuable discussions. We also had participation from the TIER cohort and ESCs from multiple regions. Thank you for your dedication to making a difference for our students!

 



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TEA Engagement Opportunities

*We are always looking for ways to connect with our partners in the field!*

From site visits, to review opportunities, to focus groups, there are numerous ways to connect with TEA and support the field of education. *If you are interested in participating in engagement opportunities, sign up by clicking the button below.*

 

*Sign Up Here* [ [link removed] ]


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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] ]


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NATIONAL NEWS

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) [ [link removed] ] to *commemorate the many contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy*. The theme for NDEAM 2024 is *“Access to Good Jobs for All.”* The resources on the NDEAM website can help organizations -- from employers and employees, educators and youth service professionals, policymakers, associations and unions, disability-related organizations, and federal agencies— to take part in NDEAM 2024.

 

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Progress Monitoring Workshop Series

Are you interested in *enhancing your progress monitoring skills to better tailor instruction to student needs*? Join National Center on Intensive Intervention (NCII) experts for the final session of their Progress Monitoring workshop series!  


* *Graphing and Analyzing Progress Monitoring Data will occur on October 3, 2024 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. ET [ [link removed] ] *

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SPEDTEX

Join the SPEDTex mailing list [ [link removed] ] or
visit the site to locate resources [ [link removed] ]
you need.




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Job Listings


Special Education Complaints Investigator (Education Specialist IV) [ [link removed] ]

 

Check out the Employment at TEA webpage [ [link removed] ] to search for opportunities to join our team. 






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