DEPARTMENT NEWS
The 2023-2024 High Cost Fund (HCF) awards were posted in the HCF APEX application on July 1, 2024 for LEAs, which includes independent school districts and open-enrollment charter schools, that applied for HCF and were approved.
To receive the award payment, you must submit a HCF Payment Request Form to TEA. The link to the form was sent to eligible LEAs on July 22, 2024. The deadline to submit the payment request form to TEA is August 15, 2024.
Approved payments will be direct deposited on or before August 31, 2024. For special education shared services arrangements (SSAs), the payment will be direct deposited into the Fiscal Agent’s bank account on behalf of the applicable SSA members.
The "Administrator Toolkit: SPED and Intervention 101" collection is tailored specifically for educational leaders and equips them with comprehensive resources and professional development essential for navigating the complexities of special education and inclusive educational environments for students with disabilities.
The resources in this collection assist administrators with:
- navigating complex legal requirements and the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) process,
- implementing evidence-based instructional strategies,
- establishing robust student support systems, and
- fostering meaningful partnerships between schools and families.
These resources provide the knowledge needed to support teachers and students who have or are suspected of having a disability. Administrators will not only understand their legal obligations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) but will be able to effectively implement policies, practices, and school-wide systems that promote equity and foster the academic and social success of every student.
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 a Texas charter school.
"Thanks to the [Innovative Services for Students With] Autism Grant, our autism-focused charter school positively impacts the lives of children with autism. This grant supports our long-term goal of equipping students with the skills necessary for a successful entry into neighborhood schools when ready.
Opening in 2022, half of our 100+ students lacked prior schooling, coming from clinics and homeschool settings, with the rest struggling in previous school settings. Our waitlist of 250+ reflects the need in our community that this grant helps us address. The Autism Grant enhances our school with the addition of skilled staff versed in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). The grant strengthens the integration of ABA into behavior and academics by supporting our school with the Comprehensive Application of Behavior Analysis to Schooling (CABAS) model.
The continuous training of our staff boosts fidelity and instructional capacity. Thrive's K-6 Magnolia campus will expand grade levels yearly up to grade 12. Thrive has plans to replicate statewide, with a Houston campus already approved. Each year that we've been supported by the grant, we've grown and refined our model for sustainability."
Check back in August for additional testimonials from other LEAs who've been positively impacted by this grant opportunity!
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TEA partners with Learning Ally to provide students with unlimited access to human-read audiobooks at no cost to your school or district, giving them the tools they need to succeed. Enroll today for an educator account by completing the Educator Access Form.
To get students started
- Utilize the Student Asynchronous Modules. These engaging, self-paced modules will teach students how to use Learning Ally effectively. The password for access is "audiobooks."
- Enhance your educator skills by registering for FREE Rapid Coaching Sessions held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3:30-4:00 p.m., between September 3, 2024, and November 21, 2024.
For more information, visit the Learning Ally Texas Landing Page and connect with your State Program Manager for campus training and additional support.
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!
Literacy For All is a free, two-day training worth 12 continuing professional education (CPE) credits. The course is offered as a hybrid session so participants around the state can participate virtually or in person. This training delves into the science of teaching reading & explores how cognitive processes impact learning foundational literacy skills.
Looking for resources to support effective paraprofessional support? Check out the Working with Paraprofessionals state guidance document and Field User Guide. These supports feature information on paraprofessional's roles and responsibilities, the importance of clear communication, documentation practices, and virtual or a face-to-face classroom supports.
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 on Deafblindness has added some great new videos to the module Early Intervention for Children Who Are Deafblind in the Teaching Children Who Are Deafblind: Professional Development for Educators series. The videos feature mothers of children who are deafblind who share their experiences during the critical years of early intervention and the teamwork that’s involved. You’ll find the videos under “Parent Perspectives” in the module’s navigation menu. The videos enhance the content of the module’s lessons by providing additional insights into the experiences of family members.
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