View as a webpage [ [link removed] ]






Texas Education Agency










*October 2024*




*Special Education Newsletter**
*






Picture of Ysleta ISD teachers participating in TEA training





orange megaphone
Announcements


Rule Change: 19 Texas Administrative Code §89.1094

A commissioner rule amendment to 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §89.1094 was *effective on August 22, 2024*. This rule on nonpublic/non-district day placements was *amended to clarify instructional arrangement codes for non-district (formerly off-campus) programs*. Since the rule became effective, TEA has been made of aware of confusion surrounding non-district day placements and funding implications. *To offer additional time for the field to fully understand the implications of rule change and to avoid a potential negative fiscal impact during this period, TEA provides the following clarifications and flexibilities for the 2024-2025 school year only.*


* If a district has some type of public-private partnership, or placements with the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) for the provision of special education and related services to a student AND the district previously coded this arrangement in the 2023-2024 school year with an instructional arrangement code between 91-98, the district may continue to do so in the 2024-2025 school year. Note, however, that pending any additional rule amendments to 19 TAC §89.1094 during this school year, any program/partnership that results in district personnel not providing the special education services (i.e., not “operated by the district”) will be considered a nonpublic or non-district operated day placement program.
* Nonpublic day school programs will continue to remain coded as an instructional arrangement 60.
* Bear in mind that the 2024-2025 SAAH has already been posted, and that document is aligned with the rule; it will not note the flexibility mentioned in this email. TEA will discuss how best to communicate this flexibility to your and our colleagues that oversee the Texas Student Data System (TSDS)/Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS).

The Nonpublic team is available by phone at 512-463-9414 and email at [email protected] if you have questions or need support completing 2024-2025 nonpublic day applications.

 

Special Education Performance Diagnostic Field Test Opportunity

TEA has an exciting opportunity for your local educational agency (LEA) to *field test the Special Education Performance Diagnostic (SPD) process, which includes a framework, and tools designed to help your LEA understand and improve the overall health of your special education system.* Field testing *requires a small leadership team* to participate in a limited number of facilitated trainings on the SPD process and relevant tools, complete the SPD process for one or two SPD levers, and provide feedback via a survey and focus group(s).  We will use your feedback on the usability, usefulness, and potential challenges of implementing the SPD process to make improvements in anticipation of future statewide use. Please review this flyer [ [link removed] ] to learn more and apply to participate.

 

LEA Updates to Legal Framework

 

*October 10, 2024, through January 24, 2025:*


* All LEAs must assure in the Legal Framework [ [link removed] ] that it has in place local policies, procedures, and programs that are consistent with IDEA’s child find requirements (34 C.F.R. §300.111), evaluation requirements (34 C.F.R. §300.122), and FAPE requirements (34 C.F.R. §300.101). 
* All LEAs must assure the contact information for the Transition and Employment Designee (TED) is current in AskTED [ [link removed] ] and that the TED has met the minimum training requirements [ [link removed] ] or will complete the training within a reasonable timeframe.
* All LEAs must assure that the most current version of the Texas Transition and Employment Guide [ [link removed] ] is linked in both English and Spanish on the LEA website.
* LEAs identified as significant disproportionality (SD) Year 3 must assure that a review of the LEA’s policies, practices, and procedures has been completed.  

 

*October 21, 2024, through December 13, 2024:*


* Under Texas Education Code §29.022, LEAs must provide and operate video and audio equipment in certain self-contained classrooms or other special education settings upon request. The TEA is required to collect data relating to requests made and actions taken by LEAs in response to requests. The TEA has created a survey [ [link removed] ] to collect the required data. Each LEA is required to complete the survey, and an assurance statement must be submitted in the Legal Framework during this window. 

 






calendar
Upcoming Dates


________________________________________________________________________



* *11/6 at 12:15 p.m. CST: *SPEDTex Webinar:  Special Education Evaluations for Students - To attend, interested parents and stakeholders must first register here: English [ [link removed] ] or Spanish [ [link removed] ]. "(see detailed information in the Department News Section) "
* *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*: Significant Disproportionality 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*: Significant Disproportionality Workshop-Using Data to Inform Your Placement Practices [ [link removed] ]
* *11/25: *LEAs must submit the STAAR Alternate 2 Justification and Assurances form by this date
* *12/6*: SSES+ Medically Fragile Program ends. 
* *2/3/25 - 3/31/25:* Parent Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) application open "(see detailed information in the Department News Section) "

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. 

________________________________________________________________________



student who is deaf
*Did you know... *

*October is Disability Employment Awareness Month? *

In October, Americans observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month by paying tribute to the accomplishments of the men and women with disabilities whose work helps keep the nation’s economy strong and by reaffirming their commitment to ensure equal opportunity for all citizens. Visit the National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) website [ [link removed] ] to find out what you can do as a community member, an employee, or an employer to get involved. If you want to learn more about helping students with disabilities transition into a career aligned with their interests, check out Dr. Erik Carter’s advice for Approaching Employers [ [link removed] ], and search through TEA's transition resources on Texas SPED Support [ [link removed] ]. 

 



________________________________________________________________________



image of Mandy Young from TEA's special education technical assistance team

This month’s staff highlight is *Mandy Young, Special Education Technical Assistance Manager*. 

Mandy has been at TEA working in different capacities since 2019. Prior to her time at TEA, she served students with disabilities and their families as a school psychologist and in private practice as a licensed professional counselor for several years.  Mandy grew up as part of a military family and has lived in several places such as Guam and Hawaii. She currently lives North of Austin, with her husband, two teenagers, and three dogs. Mandy loves spending her free time hanging out with her family and twin sister, going to Texas football games to cheer on the Longhorns (as well as the band), seeing any live music or sporting event, crocheting, playing boardgames and completing puzzles.  

 

Mandy especially relates to TEA’s core value of being servant leaders and strives to improve opportunities for students and provide support to those who serve students with disabilities and their families.  





Report icon
In This Issue


* October is Dyslexia Awareness Month [ #link_7 ]
* STAAR Alternate 2 Justification and Assurances Form [ #link_13 ]
* Texas AT Support Now Live [ #link_1 ]
* Launch of TEA's Strategic Integration Liaison Project [ #link_5 ]
* SPEDTex Webinar Series - Nov 6, 2024, 12:15 PM CST Special Education Evaluations for Students [ #link_10 ]
* PDSES Grant Updates and Reminders [ #link_12 ]
* Unlock Learning Potential with Learning Ally Audiobook Solutions [ #link_9 ]
* Shout Out to ESC Region 19 and Ysleta ISD [ #link_6 ]
* Shout Out to ESC Region 7 and the East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind [ #link_8 ]
* TEA Engagement Opportunities [ #link_3 ]
* Qualified Monitors and Conservators Needed [ #link_11 ]
* State Assessment Educator Item Review Committees [ #link_4 ]
* NATIONAL NEWS [ #link_2 ]

________________________________________________________________________


Texas SPED Support
Monthly Spotlight:

Did you know that 

Texas SPED Support [ [link removed] ] houses *"Strategies in Action [ [link removed] ]" videos* that are *short, real world examples of concrete strategies and actionable techniques* that can be implemented in the classroom to enhance the educational experience of students with with disabilities? There are *25 videos* that showcase everything from arrival routines to recording student progress and more. 

 

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






________________________________________________________________________



DEPARTMENT NEWS

 

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month

October is a special month! Not only is it National Disability Employment Awareness Month, but it's also *Dyslexia Awareness Month*. TEA has *many resources to support educational professionals* who work with students who have dyslexia. 

 


* *TEA Dyslexia and Related Disorders webpage [ [link removed] ]:* This webpage includes resources to assist in identifying and providing services for students with dyslexia and related disorders in Texas schools, including *The Dyslexia Handbook* and *frequently asked questions* supplement, *Information for Parents flyer* in English and Spanish, *Dyslexia Allotment Spending Guidance*, Dyslexia *TSDS PEIMS Overview*, and *Overview of Special Education for Parents*. 
* *Texas Dyslexia Academies Online Courses [ [link removed] ]:* This *series of 6 courses* covers: the elements of reading and what is dyslexia; The Dyslexia Handbook; dyslexia and emergent bilingual students; Child Find and ARD committee process for the identification of dyslexia; screening; and dysgraphia identification and instruction. 
* *TEA Dyslexia Online Course [ [link removed] ]:* This course is *designed for all school and district staff members* across the state *who serve students in kindergarten through grade 12*. The purpose is to empower educators to serve and advocate for students with or at risk for dyslexia.
* *Guidance for the Comprehensive Evaluation of Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) [ [link removed] ]:* This guidance document provides an *overview of relevant regulations, educational disability condition elements, best practices, and special considerations* related to the identification of an SLD, which includes dyslexia and related disorders. 


________________________________________________________________________



STAAR Alternate 2 Justification and Assurances Form

On October 22nd, LEAs were notified about their participation in completing the STAAR Alternate 2 Justification and Assurance Form. This *form must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CST Monday, November 25, 2024*.  For questions about completing the STAAR Alternate 2 Justification and Assurances Form, please contact the TEA Student Assessment Division using the Student Assessment Help Desk [ [link removed] ] or emailing [email protected].

 

________________________________________________________________________



Texas AT Support Now Live

Effective selection of Assistive Technology (AT) requires an understanding of the functional impact of a disability on a student’s ability to perform tasks. 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. *

 

*Visit Texas AT Support* [ [link removed] ]


________________________________________________________________________



Launch of TEA's Strategic Integration Liaison Project

Image of ESC liaisons

TEA is thrilled to announce the launch of the Strategic Integration Liaison (SIL) Project statewide this year! 

 

*SILs serve as a liaison between district leadership teams, TEA, and Educational Service Centers (ESC) for the purpose of improving and sustaining student outcomes through Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and Inclusive Practices systems-level change. SILs are equipped to provide ongoing targeted support, systems coaching, and technical assistance to district leadership teams.*

 

Our team of SILs launched statewide in August 2024 and is currently engaging in ongoing professional learning. SILs will continue their certification journey over the course of this year as they learn about Adult Learning Principles, Cognitive Load Theory, Executive Coaching, Aligned Systems, and Change Management. SILs are eager to *start their work with school districts in their region in the Spring of 2025*. We are excited to see the positive impact of the SIL project with Texas schools soon!

 



________________________________________________________________________



SPEDTex Webinar Series - Nov 6, 2024, 12:15 PM CST Special Education Evaluations for Students

Mandy Young, Special Education Technical Assistance Manager at the Texas Education Agency, will provide an informative *presentation on Special Education Evaluations, designed specifically for parents navigating this complex process*. She will begin with an introduction to the importance of understanding special education, followed by an overview of the legal framework and rights of parents and students. The session will *review the evaluation process, including where to find eligibility criteria, categories of disabilities, and the essential steps involved. A case study will provide real-world context*, highlighting a student's journey through the evaluation and emphasizing parent advocacy. Finally, Mandy will provide *answers to frequently asked questions* and *valuable resources and support options for parents* to empower them in advocating for their children. Parents and interested stakeholders are encouraged to register for this *free* event offered in English and Spanish.

 

*Register Now - ENGLISH* [ [link removed] ]


*Register Now - SPANISH* [ [link removed] ]


________________________________________________________________________



PDSES Grant Updates and Reminders

The Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) program—formerly known as the Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES) program—is a *one-time $1,500 online grant for parents/guardians of eligible students served by special education and who are enrolled in a Texas public school*. Parents/guardians 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.

This school year’s PDSES application *opens on February 3, 2025 at 8:00am CST *and* closes on March 31, 2025 at 5:00pm CST*.

 

TEA has created resources for schools to help inform parents of eligible students, the PDSES Overview [ [link removed] ] and a Customizable Letter [ [link removed] ]. These resources can also be found in multiple languages on the PDSES Outreach Materials webpage [ [link removed] ].

 

To be eligible for a PDSES grant, students must:


* be currently enrolled in a Texas public school (grades PK-12th),
* receive special education services through an individualized education program (IEP), and
* have NOT received a Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES) or PDSES grant in the past – PDSES is a one-time only grant.

 

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]


________________________________________________________________________



Unlock Learning Potential with Learning Ally Audiobook Solutions

For educators seeking effective ways to support students with varying exceptionalities,* Learning Ally offers an easy-to-implement solution*. Through a partnership with TEA, K-12 school systems in Texas have *free access to Learning Ally's human-read audiobooks*.

 

Learning Ally Audiobooks help educators address diverse student needs without the time-consuming research required to explore every available resource.


* To get started, Enroll [ [link removed] ] for an educator account through the Educator Access Form and attend a free educator coaching session to set up your account and begin helping your students right away!
* Register for the "Spotlight on Dyslexia" deeper dive session, hosted by Dr. Terrie Noland, for valuable strategies and resources to better support students with exceptionalities. All educators and administrators are welcome to register and attend! These live “Ask Me Anything” sessions will offer valuable strategies and resources to help you better support students with varying exceptionalities. 

Visit the  Learning Ally Texas Website to register for coaching sessions and the Spotlight on Dyslexia event.

 

*Go to Website* [ [link removed] ]


________________________________________________________________________



Shout Out to ESC Region 19 and Ysleta ISD

image of teachers in Ysleta ISD at TEA's SB IEP training

*Ysleta ISD, one of the largest districts in region 19, had their dyslexia teachers participate in the Standards-Based Individualized Education Program (SB IEP) Process Training for Teachers in a face-to-face format.* There were about *60 elementary and secondary educators* that successfully completed the training and grew their skills. This districtwide training *clearly exemplifies Ysleta ISD's commitment to ensuring ALL students can access and make progress in the general curriculum. *

 

If you are interested in taking this training, visit Texas SPED Support and register for the asynchronous online course [ [link removed] ]. If you are a district interested in your staff participating in a group training, reach out to your ESC regional contact [ [link removed] ] to discuss your options.   

 



________________________________________________________________________



Shout Out to ESC Region 7 and the East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind

ESC Region 7 and the East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind in Tyler, Texas are *doing great things for students who are blind and visually impaired*. These two entities have *partnered together to develop countless Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) events for these students, including a summer camp called Camp Lighthouse.* During this five-day camp, high school students stay on the University of Texas at Tyler campus and participate in fun and educational activities around the community while making memories and creating lasting relationships. Students are literally immersed in ECC activities for five full days. They are practicing independent living skills as they learn to cook and clean for themselves in their on-campus dorm rooms. Orientation and Mobility is practiced as they orient themselves and travel both on campus and throughout the community. Social skills are also practiced as they meet and get to know other students with similar disabilities. Read more about the importance of ECC and events like these by clicking the button below. 

 

*Find Out More * [ [link removed] ]


________________________________________________________________________



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] ]


________________________________________________________________________



Qualified Monitors and Conservators Needed

TEA is looking to *grow its pool of qualified monitors and conservators to help the state’s school districts and charter networks remedy issues related to governance, accreditation, academic performance, financial accountability, or other special investigations*. Monitors, conservators, and management teams *provide leadership, guidance, and support to school systems* working to overcome historical systemic challenges and operate effectively and sustainably to improve student outcomes. Monitors and conservators are appointed, as needed, by the Commissioner of Education.

 

If you are interested and would like access to the job description, to recommend a colleague, or to apply for a monitor and conservator appointment by the commissioner, click the button below for more information! 

 

*Learn More 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] ]


________________________________________________________________________



NATIONAL NEWS

 

New Online Module from the IRIS Center and Bookshare

 

*Bookshare: Providing Accessible Materials for Students with Print Disabilities [ [link removed] ]* is a self-paced, online module that can be embedded in educator preparation courses and school or district professional development activities. Learners can also earn a *free professional development certificate of completion*. [ [link removed] ]

 

The module explores:


* Print disabilities and how printed materials create learning barriers
* Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) and formats that can address a wide range of learner needs
* Bookshare benefits, formats, and membership options
* Bookshare in the classroom

The module also includes:


* Examples featuring three students with disabilities: Gema, a ninth grader with a visual impairment; Thomas, a fifth grader who has cerebral palsy; and Liza, a third grader who has difficulty decoding printed words
* Audio interviews with experts, practitioners, and a former student who used Bookshare
* Videos of students with different print disabilities sharing their experiences with Bookshare
* Step-by-step instructional videos on how to assign materials and request resources not currently available in Bookshare
* Interactive practice opportunities with feedback

________________________________________________________________________



Breaking Barriers: Current Trends in Disability Services for Deaf College Students

The National Deaf Center released a new report, “*Supporting Deaf College Students: Perspectives from Disability Services Professionals (2023-2024) [ [link removed] ].*” Discover how technology and the importance of equity and access are shaping the future of support for deaf students on college campuses. 

 

________________________________________________________________________



OSEP Impact Story on Early Intervention 

In "*Making a Difference: Professional Development for Early Intervention With Children Who Are Deafblind [ [link removed] ]*," the National Center on Deafblindness shares why the center chose to create a module for early intervention practitioners, what makes it unique, and how it can be used to make professional development on this topic more widely available.

________________________________________________________________________







SPEDTEX

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




briefcase

 

Job Listings


School Health and Related Services (​SHARS) Coordinator​ (Program Specialist VI) [ [link removed] ]

 

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






Back to top [ #gd_top ]











 

The Texas Education Agency will improve outcomes for all public-school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

 

Twitter [ [link removed] ]   Facebook [ [link removed] ]   Threads [ [link removed] ]   Instagram [ [link removed] ]   Youtube [ [link removed] ]   LinkedIn [ [link removed] ]

 







________________________________________________________________________

Every child, prepared for success in college, a career or the military.
Find out more at tea.texas.gov [ [link removed] ].

**STAY CONNECTED:*

Facebook [ [link removed] ] Twitter [ [link removed] ] Linkedin [ [link removed] ]  YouTube [ [link removed] ] GovDelivery [ [link removed] ]
*Bookmark and Share [ [link removed] ]

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:   Preferences [ [link removed] ]*   |   Help [ [link removed] ]  |   Contact Us [ [link removed] ]

*"*Please visit the Preferences link to update all of your TEA subscriptions."*



 



 

body .abe-section-table {max-width:601px !important;} body .abe-column-block {min-height: 5px;} ________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Texas Education Agency · 1701 N. Congress Avenue · Austin, Texas, 78701 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]