DEPARTMENT NEWS
The 2022-2024 and 2024-2026 Innovative Services for Students with Autism Grants were awarded to 66 LEAs across Texas and has directly impacted 170 LEAs due to many grantees collaborating across multiple LEAs. The purpose of this grant is to increase LEAs' capacity to implement innovative programs that effectively serve students with autism ages 3-21. This project will result in effective, scalable models that can be replicated in other areas of the state.
Read about the impact this grant has had on Aldine ISD.
"[The Innovative Services for] Students with Autism Grant has been instrumental in strengthening our ties with families of children with autism within Aldine ISD. This grant funding allowed us to provide mental health support training for parents and caregivers and fostered a deeper understanding of student/family needs. Additionally, events like the recent "Fun Day at the Park" created a welcoming space for inclusion and acceptance. Activities encouraged physical activity and social interaction, while families connected with each other and district staff. The event's success, filled with laughter and sunshine, paves the way for future initiatives that build stronger relationships and a more supportive community."
Check back in July for additional testimonials from other LEAs who've been positively impacted by this grant opportunity!
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On June 11-13, 65 teachers of students with complex access needs from around the state joined together in San Antonio for 3 days of professional development on topics ranging from impact statements to visual supports to self-determination. Teachers collaborated with their regional Complex Needs Trainers and Coaches to complete real-life scenarios and engage in hands-on activities, culminating with their individually designed adapted book on the solar system to add to their classroom library. Participants' survey responses were overwhelmingly positive with 100% of participants feeling they learned something they could immediately implement in their classrooms.
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Want to grow your skills during the summer? Look no further than Texas SPED Support's Learning Library! Offerings include recorded webinars, self-paced online courses, synchronous learning options, workshops, and conferences on a variety of topics to meet your needs. You can also find collections of courses that dive deep into a particular topic.
TEA has partnered with ATIA to offer UNLIMITED access to ATIA online courses for all educators, support staff, and parents serving students across Texas.
These online education programs include live and recorded versions by national experts on a variety of topics across the spectrum of the assistive technology industry sectors. Online courses are 60 and 90 minutes in length. Complimentary CEUs are available for completion of these programs. In addition to the stand-alone sessions, Texas specific bundles have been created to guide users through learning pathways to meet professional or tool specific needs.
Visit the TEA ATIA subscription page and use access code PD24INCLUSIONTX to start your learning today!
Looking for high impact on-demand summer training? The UDL courses on Texas SPED Support are your answer. Be sure to check out the UDL Implementation Guide for Educators in Texas to find a UDL Classroom Implementation Rubric and strategies for educators to use as they build their capacity to implement UDL.
We are always looking for ways to connect with our partners in the field!
From site visits, to review opportunities, to focus groups, there are numerous ways to connect with TEA and support the field of education. If you are interested in participating in engagement opportunities, sign up by clicking the button below.
Each year the TEA invites groups of Texas educators to provide feedback on the development of state assessments (STAAR, STAAR Alternate 2, and TELPAS) through educator committees across all assessed grades and content areas. Developing high-quality, aligned questions relies on the expertise and experience of Texas educators. Participants collaborate with other educators from across the state to review and approve each potential question for state assessments. TEA is currently accepting applications from all districts to participate in item review committees all subjects and grade levels.
If you know of any educators (including yourself!) who might be interested in participating in these review meetings, please encourage them to apply using the link below. Meetings are typically held during the spring and summer. If selected, an invite will be sent with all the logistical information.
The commitment is generally two to three days in Austin with all travel, accommodations, and substitute coverage paid for by TEA. All participants will earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Promoting Equitable Reclassification of Multilingual Learners with Disabilities
The National Center for Systemic Improvement partnered with Dr. Sara Kangas, a leading expert in multilingual learners with disabilities, to bring multilingual learners and special education state leaders together for a one-hour national webinar on the reclassification of dually identified students. The webinar draws from the contents of a soon-to-be-released policy brief that addresses critical equity considerations in the reclassification of multilingual learners with disabilities.
New FAQ on Assistive Technology Myths/Facts
The Center on Inclusive Technology & Education Systems shared a new assistive technology (AT) guidance FAQ which clarifies details about the background information and implementation of the guidance.
New Podcast: Using Data to Improve Early Childhood Equity
The “SRI Homeroom” podcast host Kori Hamilton Biagas sat down with the Center for IDEA Early Childhood Data Systems’ (DaSy Center’s) Howard Morrison, a national leader in early childhood education systems and data use, to examine the challenges — and opportunities — facing America’s early care and education systems.
Discover evidence-based strategies for effective systems-building and improvement and learn how organizations like the DaSy Center use data to improve programs and outcomes across the country. Listen to the podcast “Using Data to Improve Early Childhood Equity.”
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