View as a webpage [ [link removed] ]






Texas Education Agency










*May 2025*




*Special Education Newsletter**
*






graduating students cheering





orange megaphone
Announcements


Texas Legal Framework Updates 

For many years, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has required local educational agencies (LEAs), which include both school districts and open-enrollment charter schools, to upload their individual LEA board policies and administrative operating procedures to align with the frameworks on the Legal Framework website.  To accommodate the revisions needed based on changes to the Administrative Code, the *deadline for this summer was pushed back indefinitely*. In addition, the *process has changed for the 2025-2026 school year*. Please *log in to the Legal Framework at [link removed], go to the resource library, and then click on "Training Material." You will be able to review the new guidance in the "2024-2025 Legal Framework Policies and Procedures Update-May" announcement.* This communication was also sent via email to ESCs and LEAs the week of May 19, 2025. 

* *

Post-school Outcomes Survey Launches in June

The State Performance Plan Indicator* (SPPI) 14 survey measures post-school outcomes for students who were receiving special education services when they exited public school*. TEA contracts with a vendor to conduct the SPPI 14 survey. On June 2, Gibson Consulting Group will *launch the summer 2025 survey for students who were enrolled in grades 9-12 during the 2023-24 school year and graduated, dropped out, completed a GED, or withdrew to enter college*. For more information, watch the SPEDTex webinar from May 2024 titled “Please Don’t Hang Up! What Families Need to Know About the Post-School Outcomes Survey [ [link removed] ].”

 

*This year, former students and families will receive invitations to complete the survey through the following methods:*


* *Email messages from [email protected]*
* *Phone calls from (512) 580-6008*
* *Text messages from (833) 495-3340*
* *Postcards*

For questions about the survey or to receive their personal identification number (PIN), they may contact Gibson by sending an email to [email protected]_ or calling (512) 580-6008. Former students and family members can use their PIN to complete the survey by visiting _www.TxExit.com [ [link removed] ]_.

 

2025-2026 Discipline and Behavior Supports Grant Opens Soon!

Exciting news! The 2025-2026 Discipline and Behavior Supports Grant will be open for applications starting June 2nd! *This grant is available to all Regional Education Service Centers (ESCs), Institutes of Higher Education, and other Nonprofit Organizations *committed to advancing effective student-centered behavior interventions that drive meaningful outcomes.  The purpose of the grant opportunity is to *develop training and technical assistance resources that effectively impact students with significant behavioral challenges along with the school systems that support those students*. The application window will close on August 1, 2025.

 

There will be a soon-to-be scheduled FAQ/Webinar for potential applicants. If there are any questions about the Discipline and Behavior Supports Grant application or its process, please email: [email protected]. <[email protected]>

 

*New Special Education Data Submission in TSDS*

*Beginning in the school year (SY) 2025-26, the Texas Student Data System (TSDS) will include the Special Education Data System (SPEDS).* The TSDS SPEDS collection will encompass *SPPI 7 Preschool Outcomes, SPPI 11 Timely Initial Evaluation, SPPI 12 Early Childhood Transition, and SPPI 13 Secondary Transition.* This collection aims to enhance data quality by integrating various indicators into a single collection and streamlining the data submission process.

 

Currently, both SPPI 11 and SPPI 12 data are collected in the TSDS Child Find collection, while SPPI 7 and SPPI 13 data are collected using the SPP application in the Texas Education Agency Login (TEAL). Starting in SY 2025-2026, the TSDS Child Find (SPPI 11 and SPPI 12) data collection and the TEAL SPPI 7 and SPPI 13 data collections will transition to the newly developed SPEDS collection within TSDS.

 

The Strategic Supports and Reporting Division will soon provide additional information and guidance regarding the new TSDS SPEDS collection. Please *stay tuned for upcoming communications* to ensure you have the latest updates and instructions.






calendar
Upcoming Dates


* *April 29-September 26: *Special Education Self-Assessment window
* *June 2:*Last amendment due date for both the state and federal 2024-2025 Special Education Consolidated Grant Applications.
* *June 2 - August 1:* Application window for the Discipline and Behavior Supports Grant. Visit the TEA Grant Opportunities [ [link removed] ] webpage for additional details.
* *June 4-5: *Learning Ally's 10th annual Spotlight on Dyslexia Virtual Conference" (see Department News for more information) "
* *June 12*: General registration deadline for the Texas Autism Conference [ [link removed] ].
* *June 17-18*: Navigating the MTSS Journey: Leadership Team Implementation 101 TOT" (see Department News for more information)"
* *June 19-21*: Texas Autism Conference [ [link removed] ] in Austin, Texas (virtual options available). Family day is June 21 and is FREE of charge. 
* *June 27*: ASCEND Satisfaction Survey closes. 
* *July 30-31*: Aligned! 2025: From Child Find to IEP Implementation conference [ [link removed] ] free of charge and worth 12 continuing education credits. "(see Department News for more information)"
* *August 8*: SPP application window for SPP Indicator 13 [ [link removed] ] closing date and certification deadline. 

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.

________________________________________________________________________



teacher tutoring student
*Did you know... *

*that May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month?*

This special month is dedicated to raising awareness about communication disorders and the vital role that speech-language pathologists and audiologists play in improving the quality of life for individuals with communication disorders.

Throughout May, we celebrate the professionals who help people of all ages overcome difficulties with speaking, listening, understanding, and swallowing. Their work is essential in schools, hospitals, clinics, and private practices, where they provide critical support and interventions.

Join us in recognizing the importance of effective communication and the incredible efforts of those who work tirelessly to ensure everyone has the opportunity to express themselves and connect with others. Learn more HERE [ [link removed] ]. 



________________________________________________________________________



orange megaphone
Shout Out to Georgetown ISD's Bridges 18+ Program


Georgetown ISD's Bridges 18+ Program [ [link removed] ] is designed to *support students by helping them apply the skills they have learned in school to their adult life*.  The program design is community and vocationally based; the *focus is putting an adult schedule in place*. These schedules include needed supports and are structured to help students access adult life as they transition out of public education. Bridges programming is located off the student’s home campus and are designed to increase student independence and functional skills needed to meet daily living requirements. Students in the Bridges 18+ program will have the opportunity to participate in community-based instruction, such as the Culinary program [ [link removed] ] at the Austin Food Bank. Students in the program also make hand-crafted goods for sale in the Bridges Boutique. Follow the boutique on Facebook [ [link removed] ] to see what they are up to now! 

 

________________________________________________________________________



orange megaphone
Shout Out to Dilley ISD and Region 20

Region 20’s liaison team has proudly partnered with Dilley ISD to strengthen instructional practices across the district. Together, Amanda Ochoa, Director of Dilley ISD, and Ravin Masker, Inclusive Practices Consultant at ESC Region 20, *designed a year-long professional learning plan tailored to the district’s unique needs*. This plan *centers on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and includes embedded coaching to support implementation*.

 

The initiative kicked off with a dynamic virtual session led by Kelly-Anne Carroll, ESC Region 20 consultant, which engaged 173 staff members! Following the session, Kelly-Anne launched a virtual coaching platform where teachers submitted case studies and instructional materials for personalized feedback.

 

Region 20 remains committed to supporting Dilley ISD in building sustainable growth and deepening the impact of UDL on learning outcomes for all students!





Report icon
In This Issue


* 2025 Teacher Appreciation Week [ #link_7 ]
* ASCEND Satisfaction Survey. We Value Your Feedback! [ #link_13 ]
* SPPI Reports Available [ #link_10 ]
* SPPI 14 Report Available [ #link_11 ]
* State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP) Quarterly Announcement [ #link_9 ]
* TEA UDL Webpage [ #link_12 ]
* Question and Answer: Review of Existing Evaluation Data (REED) and Reevaluation [ #link_14 ]
* Guidance for the Comprehensive Evaluation of Specific Learning Disabilities [ #link_15 ]
* Standards-Based Individualized Education Program (SB IEP) Process: Implications for Administrators Training [ #link_16 ]
* Don't Miss Learning Ally's Summer Resources [ #link_2 ]
* What to do when you have concerns: A Parent’s Guide to Special Education Referrals for Children Ages 3-5 [ #link_17 ]
* Aligned! 2025: From Child Find to IEP Implementation Conference [ #link_1 ]
* TEA Engagement Opportunities [ #link_3 ]
* State Assessment Educator Item Review Committees [ #link_4 ]
* Qualified Monitors and Conservators Needed [ #link_5 ]
* NATIONAL NEWS [ #link_6 ]

________________________________________________________________________


Texas SPED Support
Monthly Spotlight:

Don't forget Texas SPED Support [ [link removed] ] has you covered this summer! *Extend your learning by taking one of our many FREE online courses.* We offer training for a variety of education professionals, including paraprofessionals [ [link removed] ], teachers [ [link removed] ], and administrators [ [link removed] ]. Looking for a specific topic to dive into? We've got that too! Find courses on behavior [ [link removed] ], MTSS [ [link removed] ], instruction [ [link removed] ], dyslexia [ [link removed] ], and so much more. Log into Texas SPED Support and start your learning today! 

 

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






________________________________________________________________________



DEPARTMENT NEWS

________________________________________________________________________



2025 Teacher Appreciation Week

In honor of teacher appreciation week, which was at the beginning of May, check out these inspiring words from students across ESC Region 13. This series *highlights students thanking the teachers, principals, staff, bus drivers, nurses and more who positively impact students' lives*. It will take about 30 minutes to watch all the videos in the series, but they are sure to bring a smile to your face! 

 

*Smile Now* [ [link removed] ]


________________________________________________________________________



ASCEND Satisfaction Survey. We Value Your Feedback!

We invite you to take a brief voluntary satisfaction survey to share your experience with the Ascend platform. Your input *helps us improve ASCEND* to better support your needs. Thank you in advance for your feedback!

 

*Survey closes June 27th. *

 

*Take Survey Now* [ [link removed] ]


________________________________________________________________________



SPPI Reports Available

In alignment with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004, the TEA has released the SPPI Reports for the federal fiscal year (FFY) 2023. Users can publicly access and download the school system, regional, and statewide reports on the SPP Public Report Generator [ [link removed] ] webpage.

 

The SPPI Reports provide school systems with a detailed overview of key federal performance and compliance indicators related to special education in Texas. The reports cover areas such as graduation rates, dropout rates, math and reading participation and proficiency, suspension and expulsion data, child find, and effective transitions. They offer insights into the performance of students with individualized education programs (IEPs), highlighting areas of progress and areas needing improvement against targets set by both the federal government and the TEA, with advisement from stakeholder groups.

 

Beginning with FFY 2023, SPPI Reports providing unmasked school system-level data were added to the TEAL Accountability Application. *Since the reports available through this site are unmasked and student confidentiality is not protected, they are only accessible to approved users and must be treated as confidential.*

 

Questions regarding the SPPI Reports can be submitted by email at *[email protected]* <[email protected]>.

 

________________________________________________________________________



SPPI 14 Report Available

The report with *results of the post-school outcomes survey conducted in summer 2024 for the 2022-23* cohort is now available [ [link removed] ]. Resources are available on the Texas SPED Support website to understand the SPPI 14 post-school outcomes survey [ [link removed] ]. Watch the videos to learn more about SPPI 14, including how to *use the results of the survey to inform transition planning practices or to increase response rates*. Contact the transition specialist in your region [ [link removed] ] to learn more about regional and local reports.

 

________________________________________________________________________



State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP) Quarterly Announcement

The State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP) [ [link removed] ] is a multi-year plan designed to enhance the capacity of LEAs to implement, scale up, and sustain evidence-based practices, improving outcomes for children with disabilities.

 

*State-identified Measurable Result (SiMR)*

The State-identified Measurable Result (SiMR) is a key feature of the SSIP. It is a specific, measurable goal that the state aims to achieve through its SSIP activities, focusing on a specific outcome. ​

​

Texas defined its SiMR as enhancing the reading proficiency rate among children with disabilities in grades 4, 8, and high school. This is measured by aggregating the results from state assessments in grades 4, 8, and End of Course exams in reading achievement, evaluating their performance against grade-level standards, inclusive of any accommodations.​

 

Reading proficiency is defined as scoring at grade level or above on the 4th and 8th grade STAAR English Language Arts assessments and the high school STAAR English I assessment. Accommodations are adjustments or supports provided to students with disabilities to help them access the curriculum and demonstrate what they know.

 

*Resources:*

TEA offers resources designed to improve reading outcomes for children with disabilities and support the SiMR. These resources can be found on the Texas SPED Support website which serves as the primary repository for training, professional development, and implementation guidance.

Resources include:


* ​Foundational Reading Lesson Set [ [link removed] ]
* Literacy Supports for Autism Spectrum Disorder and Assistive Technology [ [link removed] ]​
* Language-Literacy Connection for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Children​ [ [link removed] ]
* Literacy for All [ [link removed] ]
* Texas Dyslexia Academies (TDA) Courses [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________



TEA UDL Webpage

The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework and guidelines are now available on the TEA website! Explore a *comprehensive overview of the UDL guidelines, complete with detailed descriptions and practical examples to support implementatio*n in your classroom or program. Plus, the *page includes direct links to valuable UDL resources hosted on Texas SPED Support*—making it easier than ever to dive deeper into inclusive, effective teaching strategies.

 

Click below to access the UDL framework and resources. Don’t miss out—check it out today and empower your learning community!

 

*Go to Webpage Now* [ [link removed] ]


________________________________________________________________________



Question and Answer: Review of Existing Evaluation Data (REED) and Reevaluation

This question-and-answer document was *updated in April 2025* and is intended to provide *guidance and best practices to LEAs regarding the REED and reevaluation processes*. While 34 CFR §300.305 refers to REEDs being conducted for initial evaluations if appropriate, best practice dictates - and thus TEA would expect - that a REED will always be part of the initial evaluation process because there is always existing data for the multidisciplinary team (MDT) to review as it begins the evaluation process.  As part of the reevaluation, the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee and other qualified personnel, as appropriate, must complete a REED to help determine what additional data, if any, are needed to determine whether the student continues to require special education and related services and whether changes are needed to the services provided.

 

*Review Q & A Now* [ [link removed] ]


________________________________________________________________________



Guidance for the Comprehensive Evaluation of Specific Learning Disabilities

Guidance for the Comprehensive Evaluation of Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) is a *self-paced, nine-module course* designed to equip educators, required dyslexia members for the MDT and admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee, evaluation personnel, and school leaders with the *knowledge and tools needed to conduct high-quality, legally compliant evaluations for students suspected of having SLD* in Texas.

 

Grounded in both federal and state regulations, *this course explores the full evaluation process*—from MDT membership, observations, the eight areas of underachievement, appropriate instruction in reading and math, exclusionary factors, response to intervention (RTI) or pattern of strengths and weaknesses (PSW),and dyslexia and dysgraphia.

 

Participants will also *learn how to document the determination of SLD, evaluate impact on access and progress in the general curriculum, and make appropriate recommendations for evidence-based interventions*. Upon successful completion of the course and posttest, participants will earn *12 continuing education hours* and receive a certificate of completion.

 

*Take Course Now* [ [link removed] ]


________________________________________________________________________



Standards-Based Individualized Education Program (SB IEP) Process: Implications for Administrators Training

The intent of this training is to *provide administrators with an understanding of the SB IEP process* for gathering student data, including the full and individual evaluation (FIE), to write the student’s present levels of academic achievement and functional performance (PLAAFP), to draft measurable annual goals with short-term objectives/benchmarks, if appropriate, and to create a data collection system for monitoring progress of the annual goals.

 

The SB IEP process is based on the belief that students with disabilities can make progress on challenging goals aligned to the general education curriculum at the enrolled grade level with specially designed instruction (SDI) and supports. Special education is not a separate and special place for learning but services and supports that are individually designed to help students access the general education program. Students may be accessing the curriculum at different levels of complexity, at different paces, and/or in different ways, but they should all be working toward rigorous goals.

 

*Take Course Now* [ [link removed] ]


________________________________________________________________________



Don't Miss Learning Ally's Summer Resources

*Shine a Light on Dyslexia This June!*

Join Learning Ally's 10th annual Spotlight on Dyslexia Virtual Conference, June 4-5, 2025, for invaluable insights and strategies! Discover cutting-edge research, practical classroom techniques, and powerful advocacy tools to support students with dyslexia. Highlights include expert-led sessions on structured literacy and assistive technology.

 

Texas Educators: Don't miss this incredible opportunity! Limited Access Silver Tickets providing access to keynote sessions, an eye-opening dyslexia simulation, a curated selection of breakout sessions, and 5 CE credits are available at no charge for Texas teachers. For an enhanced experience and the opportunity to earn 35 CE credits, grab a Texas Gold Ticket at the special discounted rate of $79 using the code SPOD25TX.

Register today and empower your students!

 

*Supercharge Summer Learning*

Are you looking for engaging ways to prevent summer slide and keep students connected to literacy? Learning Ally's Summer Reading Together initiative offers a powerful solution "and exciting opportunities for students to win!" Discover accessible, human-narrated audiobooks and amazing resources designed to ignite a love of reading for "all" learners.

 

*Empower your students and engage families with our fantastic new educator and parent/caregiver resources*

Find highly engaging titles and activities for students as they finish the school year and transition into summer, including prizes, summer learning packets, and lots of activities to keep everyone engaged. For the details, head over to *our Summer Reading Together website* [ [link removed] ]!

 

"New to Learning Ally and need an account? Get started by enrolling for your free account through the ""*Educator Access Form*" [ [link removed] ]"."

________________________________________________________________________



What to do when you have concerns: A Parent’s Guide to Special Education Referrals for Children Ages 3-5

This resource is *designed to help parents who have concerns about their child's development or learning*, specifically for *children aged 3 to 5*. It outlines the process for requesting a special education evaluation and provides information on early intervention services. 

 

*Go to Resource Now* [ [link removed] ]


________________________________________________________________________



Aligned! 2025: From Child Find to IEP Implementation Conference

Aligned! 2025: From Child Find to IEP Implementation Conference which is held on *July 30-31, 2025*, is *open for registration*.  Join education professionals from across the state for this exciting *FREE virtual conference* as we explore *child find, evaluation, ARD supports, transition, and early childhood special education (ECSE) topics*. The Aligned! 2025: From Child Find to IEP Implementation conference provides expertise, best practices, and networking supports to assist public school district and charter schools. *Participants can earn up to 12 continuing education units (CEUs)!*

 

*Audience*:

Educational Diagnosticians

School Psychologists

Speech-Language Pathologists

Transition specialists and teachers

ECSE specialists and teachers

Dyslexia specialists and teachers, including providers of dyslexia instruction

Special Education Teachers

Administrators

ARD committee managers/facilitators

 

*Register Now* [ [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] ]


________________________________________________________________________



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] ]


________________________________________________________________________



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 [ [link removed] ], would like to recommend a colleague, or apply for a monitor and conservator appointment [ [link removed] ] by the commissioner, please visit www.tea.texas.gov/mc-appointments [ [link removed] ]_ _for more information!

 

________________________________________________________________________



NATIONAL NEWS

________________________________________________________________________



New Resources from the NCII

The National Center on Intensive Intervention (NCII) is excited to share with you two new resources to support intensifying interventions!


* Using the Learning Hierarchy to Intensify Intervention [ [link removed] ] provides information about how to determine a student’s phase of learning within the learning hierarchy and help identify the next steps for intensifying intervention.
* Guiding Questions to Support Using Informal Diagnostic Data to Individualize Intervention [ [link removed] ] is a tip sheet intended to help educators and teams analyze informal diagnostic data to better meet students’ needs

________________________________________________________________________



Self-Paced Module on Intensive Intervention in Mathematics

If you are interested in math content, check out the first four modules in NCII's eight-part self-paced course on Intensive Intervention in Mathematics [ [link removed] ]. These four modules include: 


* Developing a Scope and Sequence for Intensive Intervention
* Mathematics Progress Monitoring and Determining Response
* Selecting and Evaluating Evidence-based Practices in Mathematics
* Intensive Mathematics Intervention: Instructional Delivery

Stay tuned for the remaining four modules in the course to be released on a rolling basis this spring and summer. 

________________________________________________________________________



New Practice Guide: Supporting Communication Development 


The new Supporting Communication Development practice guide [ [link removed] ] from the National Center on Deafblindness details the essential components of instructional practices commonly used to expand and support a child’s communication, including foundational strategies to plan for and engage in meaningful interactions. Please share this important new resource with practitioners and other adults who work with children who are deafblind.  

________________________________________________________________________







SPEDTEX

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




briefcase

 

Job Listings


At-Risk State Coordinator (Education Specialist V) [ [link removed] ]






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] ]