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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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Texas Special Education Evaluations for Private & Homeschool Students: Child Find, FIIE, IEPs and TEFA Explained
Private and homeschool students in Texas have a legal right to free special education evaluations through Child Find — regardless of TEFA participation. This guide explains how FIIEs, IEPs, and TEFA disability funding actually work, and what families need to know before requesting an evaluation.
3 days ago12 min read


Understanding TEFA Application Prioritization
Curious how TEFA school vouchers are awarded? This post breaks down income tiers, disability status, and explains when the Disability Certification Form matters for priority placement in the lottery.
3 days ago5 min read


TEFA Disability Certification Form: What Parents Need to Know Right Now
The TEFA Disability Certification form hasn’t been released yet, but many families don’t actually need it. This guide explains who qualifies for disability priority, what documentation already works, and how to avoid costly delays before the March 17 TEFA deadline.
Jan 133 min read


Texas School Voucher Support: How Accessible Education Helps Families Navigate TEFA
Navigating the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program can feel overwhelming. Learn how Accessible Education helps Texas families apply for TEFA, choose the right school, access disability funding, and make confident, informed education decisions.
Jan 95 min read


What to Do If Your Private School Doesn’t Accept TEFA Vouchers (Texas Parent Guide)
What if your private school doesn’t accept school vouchers? This guide explains whether parents can still apply for TEFA, how the $2,000 funding option works, and what steps families can take to advocate for their school or plan strategically if it doesn’t participate.
Jan 96 min read


TEFA Application Checklist for Parents: Resources, Deadlines, and Requirements (Texas School Voucher Guide)
Applying for the Texas school voucher program can feel overwhelming. This TEFA application checklist for parents walks through required documents, eligibility rules, key deadlines, and official resources so Texas families can apply with confidence and avoid common mistakes.
Jan 97 min read


Texas School Voucher Application Guide for Parents: Complete TEFA Application Overview (2026–27)
Confused about the Texas school voucher application? This complete parent guide explains how the TEFA application works, who is eligible, how much funding families can receive, and the critical deadlines for the 2026–27 school year. Learn how to prepare, avoid common mistakes, and make informed decisions about private school, homeschooling, and disability funding through Texas Education Freedom Accounts.
Jan 93 min read


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.
Dec 12, 20258 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.
Dec 8, 20259 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.
Dec 8, 20256 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 2, 20258 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 2, 20259 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 2, 20259 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 2, 20256 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 2, 20256 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 1, 20255 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
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