Overview of the Special Education Process
Essentials for Parents
If your child is struggling in school, it’s important to find out why. If a disability is affecting your child’s educational performance, your child may be eligible for special education and related services that can help. Special education is instruction that is specially designed to meet the unique needs of eligible children who have disabilities.
Special education and related services are provided in public schools at no cost to the parents and are made available by a federal law called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Click on a topic below to learn more.
Learn more about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Gather information about each step of the special education process.
Provides tips on how to request an initial special education evaluation for your child.
Gather information that can help you understand the special education process.
Provides information that can help parents gain an understanding of the basics of the admission, review, dismissal (ARD) process.
Learn more about the essential components of an individualized education program for children eligible for special education services.
Learn more about dyslexia, including the processes of identification, assessment, and intervention.
Gather information about Texas Education Agency’s special education complaints process and tips for resolving special education disputes.
Explore resources that can help address transition needs for your child.
Assists students and families with creating a path to a successful life after high school
The Next Steps checklist lets educators, families, and students monitor continued progress on skills needed for future success.
Find answers to common questions about special education
View an alphabetical listing of many special education terms and acronyms that you and your child may need to know.
Notice of Procedural Safeguards
Explains parents’ rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Parent's Guide to the ARD Process
Contains information parents need to effectively participate in an ARD committee meeting