New to Special Education, New to Texas
Glossary of educational terms and acronyms used in Texas schools, with a focus on special education, curriculum, and student support services.
Resource Library
Showing 356 results
Dyslexia and Dysgraphia
Summarizes frequently asked questions submitted to the Texas Education Agency regarding the implementation of the Dyslexia Handbook and other dyslexia and dysgraphia requirements.
Behavior/Discipline
Highlights the role of family engagement in student success through collaboration, communication, and tiered support within the PBIS framework.
Develop the IEP, Implement the IEP
Infographic for parents explaining Adapted Physical Education (APE), its role in IEPs, and how it supports students with disabilities in PE.
Transition
Find Texas special education contacts by topic and region to get guidance, resources, and support for families, educators, and professionals.
ARD Committee Meetings, Understanding Parent Rights, New to Special Education, New to Texas
A practical guide with clear steps to help parents prepare for, join, and follow up on ARD meetings to support their child’s education.
New to Special Education, Develop the IEP, Transition
A guide outlining the differences between IFSP and IEP in age, focus, setting, and services, with added info to help families navigate support.
Additional Resources, New to Special Education
CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” helps families spot developmental delays early and get support to improve children’s outcomes.
Transition
Explore how educators can thoughtfully introduce future planning conversations with families and students with disabilities.
New to Special Education
Supports smooth transition from early intervention under age 3 to preschool special ed with planning tools and guidance.
New to Special Education, Additional Resources
NIDCD advances research on hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, and language to improve health and quality of life.
Graduation, Transition
A TEA guide that helps students and families understand Texas graduation requirements, endorsements, and planning options. [tea.texas.gov]
Transition, New to Special Education
In this video, Laura Bucker talks about getting on interest lists for Medicaid waiver programs early in a student's life.
Evaluation, New to Special Education, ARD Committee Meetings
Learn more about the parent's right to request an independent education evaluation (IEE) at the school's expense.
Evaluation, Consent to Evaluate, Understanding Parent Rights
This FAQ explains how schools evaluate and reevaluate students for special education, including timelines, procedures, and your role in the process.
Evaluation, New to Special Education
Explains Texas school district timelines and steps for completing a student's initial special education evaluation after parental consent.
Understanding Parent Rights, New to Special Education
Shares five practical steps to help parents effectively advocate for their child through emotional awareness, knowledge, and collaboration.
Transition
In this video from Texas Sped Support, Cady reviews the College chapter in the Texas Transition and Employment Guide.
ARD Committee Meetings
Parents can agree to make changes to the IEP without an ARD meeting if the adjustment is minor and both parties agree.
Transition
Overview of how Texas Medicaid waivers help children with disabilities access long-term care and services.
Behavior/Discipline, Evaluation
Provides an overview of Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs), explaining their purpose and how they inform behavior intervention plans.
Behavior/Discipline, Develop the IEP
This resource offers guidance for families and educators on developing proactive behavior intervention plans and reactive crisis plans for students.
Develop the IEP, Implement the IEP
Find released STAAR test questions from the Texas Education Agency to help students, parents, and educators prepare for state assessments
Develop the IEP, Implement the IEP
Outlines how school staff can receive tailored supports and modifications through IEPs to better assist students with disabilities.