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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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Services and Accommodations Under Section 504
Explore examples of academic, behavioral, and health accommodations that help students succeed under Section 504.
Nov 1110 min read
What Protections Does a Section 504 Plan Provide?
Learn how Section 504 ensures your child’s access to all school programs, extracurriculars, and supports, legally protected and enforced.
Nov 119 min read
The Section 504 Plan: Your Child's Educational Blueprint
Understand what a Section 504 Plan includes, who creates it, and how it ensures your child receives needed accommodations at school.
Nov 1110 min read
The Section 504 Evaluation Process: Your Rights and What to Expect
Learn how Section 504 evaluations work, what triggers them, and what rights you have if you disagree with the school’s findings.
Nov 119 min read
Section 504 vs. Special Education (IDEA): Understanding the Difference
Understand the difference between Section 504 and IDEA, including who qualifies, what services are provided, and how each law protects student rights.
Nov 117 min read
Does My Child Qualify? Understanding Section 504 Eligibility
Learn how schools determine eligibility for Section 504, what “substantial limitation” means, and why even high-performing students can still qualify.
Nov 116 min read
Section 504 Basics: What Every Parent Should Know
Understand the basics of Section 504 — the civil rights law that ensures students with disabilities receive equal access and protection from discrimination in schools.
Nov 114 min read
Understanding Section 504: A Parent and School Guide to Student Rights and Support
Learn how Section 504 protects students with disabilities in public schools. This 13-part parent and educator series explains 504 eligibility, accommodations, plans, and rights — from evaluation to advocacy — with clear guidance from Accessible Education.
Nov 112 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
Putting It All Together - Preparing for Your ARD Meeting
Confidently prepare for your next ARD meeting with a clear checklist and practical tips. Learn how to use TEA resources and collaborate effectively with your child’s team.
Oct 2511 min read
Special Circumstances - Discipline and ARD Meetings
Disciplinary actions can trigger ARD meetings to ensure a student’s disability is considered. Learn how MDRs, FBAs, and BIPs safeguard educational placement.
Oct 2510 min read
Making Decisions - Consensus, Disagreement, and What Comes Next
ARD committees make decisions by consensus. Learn what happens when disagreements arise and how parents can use reconvene meetings or formal dispute resolution.
Oct 2510 min read
Your Rights at the ARD Table
Parents are vital members of every ARD committee. Learn about your rights to participate, receive information in your language, and access your child’s records.
Oct 2510 min read
Prior Written Notice - Your Documentation Protection
Prior Written Notice gives you written documentation before any changes in your child’s special education program—protecting your right to understand and respond.
Oct 258 min read
Critical Timelines Every Parent Should Know
From evaluation to IEP review, each Texas special education step has strict timelines. Learn the 15, 30, and 45-day rules and why staying on schedule protects your child’s rights.
Oct 258 min read
ARD Meetings 101 - Purpose and Core Principles
ARD meetings are where decisions about your child’s special education IEP happen. Learn who attends, what FAPE means, and how ARDs ensure individualized, appropriate support.
Oct 248 min read
The Rules That Govern - Special Education Rules and Regulations
The Special Education Rules and Regulations define how Texas schools meet legal timelines and compliance rules—protecting your child’s rights and ensuring schools follow IDEA and state law.
Oct 248 min read
Understanding the Process - Parent’s Guide to the Admission, Review, and Dismissal Process
The Parent’s Guide to the Admission, Review, and Dismissal Process or "ARD Guide" from TEA helps parents understand the special education journey—from evaluation to services—and prepares you to participate confidently in your child’s ARD meeting.
Oct 247 min read
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