DEPARTMENT NEWS
The TIER Computational Fluency Progress-Monitoring System is designed to track students’ computational fluency from kindergarten through grade 6. By using timed, curriculum-based measurements (CBM), this tool gives educators valuable data to monitor student growth in grade-level math standards and evaluate instructional impact.
This flexible system can be used individually, in small groups, or with an entire class. All materials are available in both English and Spanish.
The Progress Monitoring System includes:
- Administration and scoring instructions
- 20 assessment forms per grade level (English and Spanish)
- Teacher answer keys per grade level (for scoring both English and Spanish forms)
Use this system to support data-driven instruction and boost student success in math!
The Standards-Based Individualized Education Program (SB IEP) Process Training asynchronous course has been updated to include a new case study #5 specifically to meet the needs of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who enroll in the course. SLPs can earn 12 TSHA CEUs once the course is completed.
This quick guide highlights key points and important resources for school systems to consider for children with disabilities enrolled by their parents in private schools, including religious, elementary, and secondary schools located in the LEA, as well as children with disabilities who are homeschooled.
Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) involves changes to the content, methodology, or delivery of instruction that students receive when they are eligible for special education support services. SDI is tailored specifically to address the impact of a student's disability on their learning. It is designed to ensure access to the general curriculum and to enable the child to meet their individualized education program (IEP) annual goals.
The Specially Designed Instruction Guide includes resources that help teachers understand, develop, implement, and evaluate the SDI that students with disabilities need to access and progress in the general curriculum. Additionally, it clarifies concepts related to, but distinct from, specially designed instruction, including accommodations, modifications, and high-yield instructional strategies.
For more information on SDI, the Texas SPED Quick Learns is perfect for educators seeking quick, impactful professional learning that dives into implementing SDI. This microlearning video offers educators valuable insights and practical examples to understand and implement the SDI essential for enabling students with disabilities to access and make progress in the general curriculum.
Join Learning Ally's 10th annual Spotlight on Dyslexia Virtual Conference, June 4-5, 2025, for invaluable insights and strategies! Discover cutting-edge research, practical classroom techniques, and powerful advocacy tools to support students with dyslexia. Highlights include expert-led sessions on structured literacy and assistive technology.
Texas Educators: Don't miss this incredible opportunity! Limited Access Silver Tickets providing access to keynote sessions, an eye-opening dyslexia simulation, a curated selection of breakout sessions, and 5 CE credits are available at no charge for Texas teachers. For an enhanced experience and the opportunity to earn 35 CE credits, grab a Texas Gold Ticket at the special discounted rate of $79 using the code SPOD25TX.
Register today and empower your students!
New to Learning Ally and need an account? Get started by enrolling for your free account through the Educator Access Form.
Aligned! 2025: From Child Find to IEP Implementation Conference which is held on July 30-31, 2025, is open for registration. Join education professionals from across the state for this exciting FREE virtual conference as we explore child find, evaluation, admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) supports, transition, and early childhood special education (ECSE) topics. The Aligned! 2025: From Child Find to IEP Implementation conference provides expertise, best practices, and networking supports to assist public school district and charter schools. Participants can earn up to 12 continuing education units (CEUs)!
Audience:
Educational Diagnosticians
School Psychologists
Speech-Language Pathologists
Transition specialists and teachers
ECSE specialists and teachers
Dyslexia specialists and teachers, including providers of dyslexia instruction
Special Education Teachers
Administrators
ARD committee managers/facilitators
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.
TEA is looking to grow its pool of qualified monitors and conservators to help the state’s school districts and charter networks remedy issues related to governance, accreditation, academic performance, financial accountability, or other special investigations. Monitors, conservators, and management teams provide leadership, guidance, and support to school systems working to overcome historical systemic challenges and operate effectively and sustainably to improve student outcomes. Monitors and conservators are appointed, as needed, by the Commissioner of Education. If you are interested and would like access to the job description, would like to recommend a colleague, or apply for a monitor and conservator appointment by the commissioner, please visit www.tea.texas.gov/mc-appointments for more information!
Office of Special Education Program Topic Area Resources
The topic areas page includes information and resources related to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) from the U.S. Department of Education (Department), Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), and other Federal agencies.
This page also includes resources developed by technical assistance centers funded by the Department and other Federal agencies.
Updated: Recreation and Leisure Factsheet
For children who are deafblind, recreation and leisure activities can reduce isolation and encourage independence. A newly updated factsheet, Recreation and Leisure, describes strategies for promoting recreational activities and setting the stage for successful participation. Originally published in 2008, the revised factsheet has been updated and redesigned.
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