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Field Notes
Real-world and honest perspectives on parenting, K-12 education, access, and advocacy.
Blending personal insight, professional experience, and curated information from across the education world, Field Notes explores everything from policy shifts and evaluation practices to the realities of raising and educating children with disabilities. This space exists to inform, support, and spark meaningful conversation, without the noise.
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Understanding Texas Parents' Views on Education Freedom Accounts: A New Report Breaks Down the Numbers
Fresh survey data from Texas parents breaks down who plans to apply for TEFA, why interest varies across families, and which groups may benefit most. This clear, data-driven analysis helps parents, schools, and policymakers understand the shifting landscape of school choice in 2026.
3 days ago8 min read


Understanding TEFA Accountability/Assessment Requirements: A Complete Guide to Approved Testing Options
A clear guide to TEFA’s assessment requirements, including who must test, approved assessments, and how families and schools can stay compliant with annual reporting.
7 days ago9 min read


Official TEFA Provider Applications Now Open: 2025 Odyssey Updates for Vendors and Private Schools
Official TEFA provider applications are now open. This guide explains Odyssey’s updated requirements and steps for private schools and vendors preparing to participate.
7 days ago6 min read


TEFA School Voucher Final Rules: What Online Course and Program Providers Need to Know
The finalized TEFA rules expand what qualifies as an online educational course or program and remove the for-credit requirement. Providers are now classified as vendors and must follow updated registration and technology-related guidelines.
Dec 28 min read


TEFA School Voucher Final Rules: What Returning Families Need to Know for Future Years
Families returning to the TEFA school voucher program will have simplified procedures, including no annual reapplication, streamlined electronic verification, and faster reinstatement for minor violations. The update also explains the new payment system requirements and extends the resale prohibition indefinitely.
Dec 29 min read


TEFA School Voucher Final Rules: What Public and Charter Schools Participating as Vendors Need to Know
The final TEFA rules clarify that public and charter schools apply as vendors, not education service providers. The guidance outlines strengthened approval language, accreditation verification, ADA restrictions, and updated compliance and referral requirements.
Dec 28 min read


TEFA School Voucher Final Rules: What Tutors, Therapists, and Educational Service Vendors Need to Know
Tutors, therapists, and educational professionals are now classified as vendors under TEFA and must meet updated registration, credential, and background check requirements. The rules also clarify the scope of allowed services, interactions with students, and expanded approval for educational technologies.
Dec 28 min read


TEFA School Voucher Final Rules: What Private Schools Seeking Approval Need to Know
Updated TEFA school voucher program rules strengthen the “shall be approved” requirement for eligible private schools and clarify accreditation, two-year operation standards, and the obligation to maintain a Texas-based physical presence. The rules also expand guidance on virtual campuses, eligible fees, and employment-related payment restrictions.
Dec 29 min read


TEFA School Voucher Final Rules: What Pre-K and Kindergarten Families Need to Know
Final TEFA school voucher program guidance explains who qualifies for state-funded Pre-K, confirms full funding for approved Pre-K/K programs, and outlines accreditation, program type, and age requirements that determine eligibility.
Dec 26 min read


TEFA School Voucher Final Rules: What Homeschooling and Non-Accredited School Families Need to Know
The finalized TEFA rules confirm that homeschool, microschool, learning pod, and non-accredited school students are limited to $2,000 in annual funding. The guidance clarifies what “home-schooled student” means, what expenses qualify, and why the cap applies even for children with disabilities. Families exploring alternative education options now have clear information about TEFA school voucher eligibility and limitations.
Dec 26 min read


TEFA School Voucher Final Rules: What Parents of Children with Disabilities Need to Know
The final TEFA school voucher program rules have completely changed what families must submit to qualify for disability-based priority admission. Medical documentation is no longer enough, and new requirements may affect your timeline, funding, and next steps. Here’s what parents need to know now.
Dec 15 min read


Important Updates: Final TEFA Rules Clarify Key Program Details
The Texas Comptroller has officially finalized the TEFA school voucher rules, and the latest guidance includes major clarifications for families, especially around disability documentation, funding access, income verification, and program eligibility. Here’s what these changes mean and what steps parents should take next.
Dec 15 min read


Parent Guide: TEA Releases Critical TEFA Update on School Voucher Eligibility for Students With Disabilities
TEA’s latest guidance reshapes what parents need to know about TEFA and disability funding. A medical diagnosis may help with lottery priority, but only a school district evaluation and EFA IEP unlock the higher funding amount. Here’s what changed, and what families should do now.
Nov 2010 min read


Critical TEA Guidance for Special Education Administrators: TEFA Implementation
The TEA’s November 20th announcement lays out major new responsibilities for districts under SB 2 and the TEFA program, especially regarding evaluations for non-enrolled students. This overview breaks down what administrators must know now, what’s changing, and how to prepare for significant increases in evaluation volume and new EFA IEP requirements.
Nov 2012 min read


Texas School Voucher & Education Savings Account Update (Nov. 2, 2025): What Parents and Families Need to Know About Texas Education Freedom Accounts
Parents and families: here’s your timely guide to the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program — eligibility details, how to apply, funding mechanics, and what to do now as of Nov 2, 2025.
Nov 24 min read


Texas School Voucher & Education Savings Account Update (Nov. 2, 2025): What Private Schools and Education Service Providers Need to Know
An essential update for private schools and educational service providers on the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program: learn the vendor eligibility criteria, school participation steps, compliance timing, and how to prepare as of Nov 2, 2025.
Nov 24 min read


Texas School Voucher & Education Savings Account Update (Nov. 2, 2025)
Stay up to date on the Texas school voucher and education savings account (ESA) rollout: the latest timeline, key application dates, eligibility milestones, and how the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program is tracking as of Nov 2, 2025.
Nov 22 min read


Texas Voucher Application Timeline Revealed: February 2026 Launch Confirmed
Houston Chronicle reporting confirms the key 2026 dates for Texas Education Freedom Accounts. Provider applications open Dec 2, family applications run Feb 4–Mar 20, voucher decisions are set for May 1, and funds will be available July 1. Families should start researching schools now and plan for timing challenges, as private school admissions may require commitments before voucher decisions are finalized.
Oct 143 min read


Texas Education Freedom Accounts: Recent Developments and the Selection of Odyssey
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.
Oct 1011 min read


Texas ESA Program: Breaking Down the New Proposed Rules
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.
Aug 2613 min read
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