Announcements
Updates to the Notice of Procedural Safeguards, Parent’s Guide to the Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) Process, and Overview of Special Education for Parents
Updates have been made to the Notice of Procedural Safeguards and Parent’s Guide to the ARD Process to align with several Commissioner of Education rules and a dyslexia State Board of Education rule that became effective in 2024. Copies of these resources are being provided by the TEA in collaboration with the Education Service Center (ESC) Region IV print shop, and deliveries should have started arriving in local educational agencies (LEAs) beginning April 14, 2025. The Overview of Special Education for Parents form has not been updated at this time but is included in the delivery LEAs will be receiving. Upon receipt of the updated copies, campuses must no longer distribute the outdated versions and immediately begin to issue the current editions.
On April 14th, these updated documents will be published to the SPEDTex and Legal Framework websites. A guidance document has been created for additional information. Additionally, a Summary of Changes to the Notice of Procedural Safeguards and the Parent’s Guide has been added to the Legal Framework resource library. Once you are logged in, you can find this guide under Training Material –> Informational Items.
Special Education Self-Assessment Window Now Open
The window for the completion of the 2024-2025 school year Special Education Self-Assessment opens April 29, 2025. LEAs are required to complete the 23 compliance/strategy areas by September 26, 2025. For more information, visit TEA’s Self-Assessment webpage.
High Cost Fund (HCF) APEX Application Deadline Extended to May 15, 2025
TEA is extending the HCF APEX application deadline from the original date of May 5, 2025. APEX users were sent an email on April 3, 2025, with information about the HCF application submittal process. The APEX application will now close on May 15, 2025.
View the High Cost Funds webpage for information and resources concerning the High Cost Fund APEX application. Please submit questions to [email protected].
Upcoming Dates
- April 29-September 26: Special Education Self-Assessment window
- May 5 from 2:00-4:00 PM CST: 186 Special Education Specialist EC-12 Constructed Response Item Deep Dive Webinar and Work Session (Option 2) (see Department News for more information)
- May 15: HCF APEX application closes
- June 2: Last amendment due date for both the 2024-2025 Special Education Consolidated Grant Application (Federal) and the 2024-2025 Special Education Consolidated Grant Application (State)
- 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.
- June 17-18: Navigating the MTSS Journey: Leadership Team Implementation 101 TOT (see Department News for more information)
- June 19-21: Texas Autism Conference in Austin, Texas (virtual options available). Family day is June 21 and is FREE of charge.
- July 30-31: Aligned! 2025: From Child Find to IEP Implementation conference (see Department News for more information)
Don’t forget to check out TEA’s Special Education Webinars and Newsletters website for a list of upcoming events, previous webinar recordings, and past editions of the Special Education Newsletter.
Did you know…
that Gallaudet University was authorized on April 8, 1864?
President Abraham Lincoln signed a charter on this date authorizing the institution that would become Gallaudet University, the first school for the advanced education of the deaf and hard of hearing, to confer college degrees. It remains the only higher education institution in which all programs and services are specifically designed to accommodate deaf and hard of hearing students. Find out more about Gallaudet University by visiting their website.
April is also Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month
This is a time to celebrate the unique perspectives, strengths, and contributions of individuals with autism. This month, let’s come together to recognize the achievements of the autism community, while continuing the work of improving outcomes for students with autism.
Educators can find a multitude of resources focused on educating students with autism on Texas SPED Support. Register for an account and follow the autism topic and sign up for autism email updates to get the latest information in your inbox.
The Autism Society of Texas and Autism Speaks are also great sources of information and include resources and support for individuals with autism, families, and educators.
Also take some time to learn about amazing events for students who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families in Texas. Watch this video of Imagination Texas: A Special Weekend for Deaf and Hard of Hearing High School Students. Students and their families gather from all over Texas for a weekend of mentorship and creative learning. You can also keep informed of future events by bookmarking the Imagination Fort Worth webpage.
Texas SPED Monthly Spotlight:
Did you know that if you register for a Texas SPED Support account, you can bookmark your favorite resources? This allows you to organize your favorite resources, ensuring quick access to valuable tools, documents, and learning materials. It’s a great way to streamline your workflow and ensure you have the best resources at your fingertips!
- Follow on Facebook & Instagram: @TexasSPEDSupport
- Follow on Twitter: @TXSPEDSupport
Department News
Spotlight on the TIER Computational Fluency Progress-Monitoring System
The TIER Computational Fluency Progress-Monitoring System is designed to track students’ computational fluency from kindergarten through grade 6. By using timed, curriculum-based measurements (CBM), this tool gives educators valuable data to monitor student growth in grade-level math standards and evaluate instructional impact.
This flexible system can be used individually, in small groups, or with an entire class. All materials are available in both English and Spanish.
The Progress Monitoring System includes:
- Administration and scoring instructions
- 20 assessment forms per grade level (English and Spanish)
- Teacher answer keys per grade level (for scoring both English and Spanish forms)
Use this system to support data-driven instruction and boost student success in math!
New Addition to SB IEP Process Training!
The Standards-Based Individualized Education Program (SB IEP) Process Training asynchronous course has been updated to include a new case study #5 specifically to meet the needs of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who enroll in the course. SLPs can earn 12 TSHA CEUs once the course is completed.
Parentally Placed Private School Children with Disabilities Quick Guide and FAQ
This quick guide highlights key points and important resources for school systems to consider for children with disabilities enrolled by their parents in private schools, including religious, elementary, and secondary schools located in the LEA, as well as children with disabilities who are homeschooled.
Specially Designed Instruction Guide
Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) involves changes to the content, methodology, or delivery of instruction that students receive when they are eligible for special education support services. SDI is tailored specifically to address the impact of a student’s disability on their learning. It is designed to ensure access to the general curriculum and to enable the child to meet their individualized education program (IEP) annual goals.
The Specially Designed Instruction Guide includes resources that help teachers understand, develop, implement, and evaluate the SDI that students with disabilities need to access and progress in the general curriculum. Additionally, it clarifies concepts related to, but distinct from, specially designed instruction, including accommodations, modifications, and high-yield instructional strategies.
Texas SPED Quick Learns: Specially Designed Instruction
For more information on SDI, the Texas SPED Quick Learns is perfect for educators seeking quick, impactful professional learning that dives into implementing SDI. This microlearning video offers educators valuable insights and practical examples to understand and implement the SDI essential for enabling students with disabilities to access and make progress in the general curriculum.
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!
New to Learning Ally and need an account? Get started by enrolling for your free account through the Educator Access Form.
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, admission, review, and dismissal (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
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.
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.
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, would like to recommend a colleague, or apply for a monitor and conservator appointment by the commissioner, please visit www.tea.texas.gov/mc-appointments for more information!
National News
Office of Special Education Program Topic Area Resources
The topic areas page includes information and resources related to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) from the U.S. Department of Education (Department), Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), and other Federal agencies.
This page also includes resources developed by technical assistance centers funded by the Department and other Federal agencies.
Updated: Recreation and Leisure Factsheet
For children who are deafblind, recreation and leisure activities can reduce isolation and encourage independence. A newly updated factsheet, Recreation and Leisure, describes strategies for promoting recreational activities and setting the stage for successful participation. Originally published in 2008, the revised factsheet has been updated and redesigned.
This post is our way of sharing the April 29, 2025 edition of TEA’s Newsletter. Join the SPEDTex mailing list or visit the site to locate resources you need.