Texas is preparing to roll out the largest school voucher program in the U.S. through the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA), established by Senate Bill 2. With $1 billion in initial funding and oversight by Odyssey, the first public hearing revealed concerns about special education documentation, transparency, and funding for private pre-K. Applications are set to open in early 2026 for the 2026–27 school year.

The Full and Individual Initial Evaluation (FIIE) is the foundation of special education in Texas. Before a child can receive services, schools must complete this comprehensive assessment to determine eligibility and identify unique needs. This guide explains what an FIIE is, common misunderstandings, the steps in the process, parent rights, and what to expect from the final evaluation report.

The Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) means your child should have the chance to learn with their peers whenever it’s appropriate and supported. At the ARD meeting, you have an important voice in shaping where and how your child learns. Knowing your rights in special education helps you speak up for the right supports so your child can be included, make progress, and thrive at school.

Complete breakdown of Texas ESA Program proposed rules for 2026-27 launch. Detailed requirements for parents, homeschoolers, private schools & providers. Application process, funding amounts, eligibility criteria & timeline updates. Essential guide for Texas education savings accounts.

BREAKING: Texas Comptroller releases proposed Education Savings Account (ESA) program rules! Get the details on eligibility, funding (85% of per-pupil funding), approved expenses, and how to submit public comments during the 30-day review period. Texas school choice voucher program launches 2026-27. Full analysis coming soon! #TexasESA #SchoolChoice

The Texas ESA program creates new compliance burdens for districts but also unprecedented revenue opportunities. With final rules not arriving until May 2026, forward-thinking districts are already building data systems, training staff, and positioning themselves as ESA providers. Those who wait will scramble to catch up while prepared districts capture new revenue streams and serve families strategically.

Texas ESA voucher program timeline: private schools must start approval Fall 2025, before families apply. RFP analysis reveals school choice voucher requirements most don't know. With $10,000-$30,000 per student funding, Texas private school ESA preparation timing determines which schools serve voucher families effectively in 2026-2027.

The Texas ESA and voucher program is set to launch in the 2026–2027 school year, but the final rules are not due until May 15, 2026. This creates a tight window for implementation. By reviewing state contracting documents, we have outlined a general timeline showing when parents, private schools, public schools, and providers might expect key milestones. This post offers a high-level overview, with more detailed timelines to come in future updates.

With the passage of Senate Bill 2, Texas is preparing to launch its Education Savings Account Program, and Certified Educational Assistance Organizations (CEAOs) will play the central role in making it happen. CEAOs are qualified organizations that the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts has invited to provide services for the program. The Comptroller plans to select between one and five CEAOs to implement and administer the program.

Think SB2 Supports Your Stance on Vouchers and Public Schools? You Might Be Right - Or Not. Here's What the Law Actually Does

Senate Bill 2 creates Texas's new Education Savings Account (ESA) program, starting in the 2026–27 school year. Eligible families can use ESA funds of up to $10,900 per year, with higher amounts available for students with disabilities, to cover private school tuition, tutoring, therapies, and other approved expenses. Homeschooling families may receive up to $2,000. This post explains what SB2 provides, who qualifies, how the funds work, and what families and providers should

Under IDEA, the special education process begins with Child Find, public schools’ legal duty to identify and evaluate students who may need services. This post explains how referrals work, timelines for special education evaluations, what informed consent means, and what happens at the initial ARD meeting. Understand how FAPE and your child’s right to an IEP begin with the first step.

Under IDEA, every eligible student with a disability is entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education. FAPE is not a program. It’s a legal standard, and the tool schools use to meet that standard is the Individualized Education Program (IEP). In Texas, the ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) committee creates the IEP. This group includes educators, specialists, and parents working as equal partners to develop a plan that meets the child’s needs.

Special education provides customized instruction and support to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. It ensures access to learning through the protections of IDEA, the promise of FAPE, and services like speech therapy or counseling. With tools like IEPs and the ARD process in Texas, families and schools work together to help students prepare for further education, employment, and independent living.

Thoughtful takes on what's happening across the education landscape. Welcome to Accessible Education’s Field Notes! We hope to offer...

Feeling Public Education Chaos Fatigue? Two Skills Every Parent and Educator Can Use to Stay Grounded and Cut Through the Noise. There’s...