DEPARTMENT NEWS
We’re excited to share a new resource, Considerations for Special Populations in TIA Systems. This guidance is designed to help districts build thoughtful, inclusive local designation systems that account for the varied teaching assignments, instructional settings, and student needs represented across special populations.
- Planning considerations for including eligible teaching assignments
- Approaches to teacher observation and student growth measures
- Data collection considerations that support fair, reliable implementation
- Questions to consider when expanding or modifying a local TIA system
The Autism Circuit Academy (ACA) spring 2027 cohort application opened October 15th and closes December 14th. The ACA has been redesigned to offer separate fall and spring cohorts. Participants also have the option to enroll in both cohorts for a full year of training and coaching on evidence-based practices for students with autism. The ACA is free for educators across Texas who are employees of an LEA.
New Dyslexia Parent Video: Characteristics & Screening
A new resource available on SPEDTex is Video 1: Dyslexia Characteristics & Screening, the first in a three-part parent video series. This TEA video explains the characteristics of dyslexia, how Texas schools screen kindergarten and first-grade students for dyslexia, and the supports and resources available to help students succeed. It also provides information about parent rights, the evaluation process, and the importance of early identification and intervention. The remaining two videos are in development and will be shared when they become available.
Additional Dyslexia Training Opportunities:
The Texas Dyslexia Academies (TDA) course collection through TEALearn or your local ESC. TDA courses cover topics including:
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TDA 1: The elements of reading and what is dyslexia
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TDA 2: The Dyslexia Handbook
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TDA 3: Dyslexia and emergent bilingual students
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TDA 4: Child Find and the ARD process
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TDA 5: The dyslexia screening process
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TDA 6: Dysgraphia identification and instruction
The TEALearn Dyslexia Course is another valuable resource that provides information and resources to deepen understanding of dyslexia and strengthen the ability to advocate for students.
Structured Literacy Course
This is a new series of training courses available through the ESCs. The first four modules of the training series are available now, with additional modules coming soon. This course is designed to build an educators' understanding of Structured Literacy and its role in effective reading instruction. Contact your local ESC for more information and enrollment details.
Discover the newly updated Question and Answer: Individualized Education Program (IEP) Measurable Annual Goals! Revised to reflect the amended Texas Administrative Code (19 TAC §89.1055), the October 2026 edition is now available on Texas SPED Support with a fresh new cover and updated guidance throughout.
Explore practical strategies and best practices for developing, writing, and monitoring individualized, measurable, and appropriately challenging annual IEP goals. Use this resource to strengthen the standards-based IEP process and help each student access and make meaningful progress in the enrolled grade-level general education curriculum.
Enrollment is now open for the Updated Child Find Duty – Everyone’s Responsibility 26-27 course—register today!
Build your knowledge and confidence in fulfilling state and federal Child Find responsibilities with this updated TEA training. Participants will gain practical information to help identify, locate, and evaluate children who may need special education and related services while strengthening local policies, procedures, practices, and ongoing public awareness efforts.
TEA’s Complex Needs Summer Teacher Institute is a game-changing experience for educators working with students with complex access needs. Beyond offering crucial networking with peers in similar roles, it equips teachers with practical tools and strategies to transform their classrooms. Because participants earn their spot through preparatory modules, they enter the program fully invested.
"As an ESC region 14 consultant, the Institute deepened my relationships with teachers and elevated my own practice. One teacher I coached was initially struggling with classroom management and structure, facing potential non-renewal. Through targeted coaching and participation in the Institute, her growth has been remarkable. The beginning of this school year is what really blows my mind! She made a detailed schedule for her whole team, set up the day with routines and procedures and trained her special education team. On the first day of school, she had visual schedules and used visuals for rotation. The Institute was a kick start to enhance her career and serve students. Today, she is a confident educator who not only leads her own classroom with clarity but also mentors new teachers and guides veteran staff. The Institute didn't just transform her teaching—it built a lasting professional bond that continues to inspire us both.
Another plus - When I invited two new "Life Skills" teachers to the Institute, they almost cried because they felt supported and honored to be chosen to go. The support the teachers receive is outstanding! They get hands on learning, networking, and equipment to use in their classroom."
High-Quality Mathematics Instruction: What Teachers Should Know
This learning module from the IRIS Center describes the components of high-quality mathematics instruction: a standards-based curriculum and evidence-based practices. It also highlights evidence-based practices as well as other classroom practices that teachers can use to teach mathematics. (est. completion time: 1.5 hours)
Academic and Behavioral Assessment Tools
The National Center on Intensive Intervention (NCII) has developed six tools charts to assist educators and families in becoming informed consumers who can select academic and behavioral assessment tools and interventions that meet standards for technical rigor and address their specific needs. This webpage provides an overview of available tools charts and considerations for using them to identify assessments and interventions.
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