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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


The TEFA Disability Certification Form Explained
Learn which disabilities qualify for TEFA Tier 1 priority, who can sign the Disability Certification Form, and why it only impacts 2026 lottery placement, not funding, in this detailed guide for parents.
3 days ago5 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 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 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 2, 20258 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 2, 20258 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


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 1, 20255 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
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