The Notice of Procedural Safeguards outlines your legal rights in special education—from consent to dispute resolution. Learn when you receive it, what it protects, and how it connects to ARD meetings.

Start your Texas special education journey with the essential documents every parent should know. Learn how the Notice of Procedural Safeguards, Parent's Guide to the ARD Process, and the Special Education Rules and Regulations form your foundation for successful ARD meetings.

Texas adds unique layers to federal IDEA rules for identifying Specific Learning Disabilities—especially dyslexia. This post explains why Texas requires specialized dyslexia expertise on evaluation teams, mandatory early screening, and detailed procedures outlined in the Texas Dyslexia Handbook. Learn how these state-specific rules ensure students receive evidence-based instruction and full special education protections.

When is a learning challenge not a Specific Learning Disability (SLD)? This post explains the crucial “exclusionary” and “determinant” factors under IDEA and Texas law—such as vision, hearing, environment, and instruction—that evaluation teams must rule out before identifying an SLD. Understanding these safeguards ensures accurate diagnoses and that students receive the right supports for their true learning needs.

Behind every accurate Special Learning Disability (SLD) identification is a team of educators and specialists analyzing data to understand how a student learns. This post explains the importance of documentation, collaboration, and data review in the SLD evaluation process under IDEA and Texas law—helping ensure students receive the right support and services to meet their individual learning needs.

Identifying a Specific Learning Disability (SLD) involves more than test scores—it’s a data-driven process that looks at how a student learns and responds to instruction. This post explains how schools use models like Response to Intervention (RTI) and Patterns of Strengths and Weaknesses (PSW) to determine eligibility under IDEA and Texas law, ensuring students receive the right support to meet their unique learning needs.

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.

Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) like dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia affect how the brain processes language, reading, writing, and math—but not intelligence or effort. This post breaks down what SLD really means under IDEA and Texas law, which conditions are included, and why clear identification matters. Understanding these differences is the first step toward effective advocacy and support for your child’s learning needs.

It’s parent-teacher conference season—and for many families, those meetings raise big questions. Is your child just struggling, or could it be a learning disability like dyslexia or dysgraphia? This post explains how schools identify Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), what “evaluation” and “intervention” really mean, and how parents in Texas can advocate for accurate identification and support.

Understanding the difference between educational eligibility for autism under IDEA and a medical diagnosis of autism is essential for families navigating special education. While both systems assess similar traits, they serve different purposes and follow different criteria. This post breaks down how schools and doctors define autism, where they overlap, how they differ, and why it matters for accessing the right support.

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.

The Full and Individual Initial Evaluation (FIIE) is the foundation of special education in Texas. Before a child can receive services, schools must complete this comprehensive assessment to determine eligibility and identify unique needs. This guide explains what an FIIE is, common misunderstandings, the steps in the process, parent rights, and what to expect from the final evaluation report.

The Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) means your child should have the chance to learn with their peers whenever it’s appropriate and supported. At the ARD meeting, you have an important voice in shaping where and how your child learns. Knowing your rights in special education helps you speak up for the right supports so your child can be included, make progress, and thrive at school.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.