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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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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 20, 202510 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 20, 202512 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 2, 20254 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 2, 20254 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 2, 20252 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 14, 20253 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 10, 202511 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 26, 202513 min read


Hot Off the Presses: Texas Comptroller Releases Proposed ESA Program Rules
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
Aug 24, 20253 min read


Texas ESA Program Guide for Public School Officials: Key Responsibilities and Opportunities
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.
Aug 15, 20256 min read


Texas ESA Voucher Prep Starts This Fall: What Private Schools Must Know Now
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.
Aug 8, 20255 min read


Texas ESA and Voucher Program Timeline: What Parents and Schools Need to Know Before 2026
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.
Aug 8, 20254 min read


The Role of Certified Educational Assistance Organizations in Texas Vouchers
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.
Aug 8, 20253 min read


What Do We Know About Private School Accreditation and Texas Senate Bill 2?
Wondering how private school accreditation fits into Texas Senate Bill 2 and the ESA voucher program? This guide breaks down what accreditation means, which agencies are recognized, and what parents should know before choosing a school. Whether you're curious about school choice or exploring voucher eligibility, understanding accreditation is a key first step in making informed decisions for your family.
Aug 6, 20254 min read


Texas School Vouchers: Who Benefits, Who Doesn't, and Why It Matters
Think SB2 Supports Your Stance on Vouchers and Public Schools? You Might Be Right - Or Not. Here's What the Law Actually Does
Aug 5, 20259 min read


Understanding Texas Senate Bill 2 (SB2): Educational Savings Accounts
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
Aug 3, 20259 min read
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