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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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Understanding LRE: Your Child's Right to Learn Alongside Peers
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.
Sep 2, 20256 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


Special Education Referrals Explained: Child Find and the Evaluation Timeline
Under IDEA, the special education process begins with Child Find, public schools’ legal duty to identify and evaluate students who may need services. This post explains how referrals work, timelines for special education evaluations, what informed consent means, and what happens at the initial ARD meeting. Understand how FAPE and your child’s right to an IEP begin with the first step.
Jul 28, 20254 min read


What Is FAPE? Understanding the Heart of Special Education
Under IDEA, every eligible student with a disability is entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education.
FAPE is not a program. It’s a legal standard, and the tool schools use to meet that standard is the Individualized Education Program (IEP).
In Texas, the ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) committee creates the IEP. This group includes educators, specialists, and parents working as equal partners to develop a plan that meets the child’s needs.
Jul 25, 20255 min read


What Is Special Education? Building Access, Support, and Opportunity for Every Learner
Special education provides customized instruction and support to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. It ensures access to learning through the protections of IDEA, the promise of FAPE, and services like speech therapy or counseling. With tools like IEPs and the ARD process in Texas, families and schools work together to help students prepare for further education, employment, and independent living.
Jul 21, 20253 min read


Introducing SPED 101: A New Field Notes Series for Parents and Educators
SPED 101 is a blog series for parents and educators that explains the special education process in Texas. Learn about IDEA, IEPs, evaluations, eligibility, related services, and student rights. Get clear, practical guidance to support children with disabilities at school.
Jul 19, 20252 min read


Free Public Pre-K in Texas: Who Qualifies and How to Enroll
Did you know many families in Texas can access high-quality preschool at no cost? Here’s what you need to know to get started. Free pre-k can provide your child with a strong academic, social, and emotional foundation. If your child will be 4 years old on or before September 1st , they may be eligible to attend free pre-kindergarten through your local public school district. Some districts also offer free pre-k for 3-year-olds if they meet the same eligibility requirement
Jul 18, 20253 min read


One Link Every Special Education Parent and Educator in Texas Should Pin to Their Bookmarks Bar
Tip for parents, teachers, service providers, and administrators: If you haven’t already bookmarked the Texas Legal Framework, go ahead and do it now. Seriously.
Jun 13, 20252 min read


Introducing Field Notes
Thoughtful takes on what's happening across the education landscape. Welcome to Accessible Education’s Field Notes! We hope to offer...
Jun 3, 20251 min read


Hot Takes ≠ Helpful Info: Panic Spreads Faster Than Policy
Feeling Public Education Chaos Fatigue? Two Skills Every Parent and Educator Can Use to Stay Grounded and Cut Through the Noise. There’s...
Jun 2, 20252 min read
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