Director Resources

Legal Framework
This service is to assist local district and charter school special education personnel in providing a free, appropriate public education to all students with special needs. Federal and state laws and regulations are emphasized in this process.

TEA Special Education Webinars and Newsletters
The Division of Special Education Programs hosts webinars on a regular basis to provide the most current information regarding special education in Texas. In addition, monthly special education newsletters are archived in the drop-down below and contain timely announcements, important upcoming dates, and recently posted resources from across TEA related to special education in Texas.

TEA Special Education Guidance and Q&A Documents
TEA provides technical assistance guidance documents that address several special education program areas and topics. TEA also provides some Q&A documents for some passed legislation and additional topics.

TEA State Performance Plan Indicators (SPPI)
TEA collects data from LEAs for the State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report (SPP/APR). LEAs are required to report data on sixteen State Performance Plan Indicators (SPPIs) identified by OSEP.

TEA Review and Support
TEA's Division of Review and Support monitors and provides support to LEAs related to Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), special populations and federal and state statutes using a risk assessment index and holistic student-centered practices. 

SpEd Leadership Resources Website
This site is a joint project of the twenty Texas ESC's working together to provide guidance on special education topics that support new directors and provide consistent information across the state. Aspects of the collaborative include: 

• Live Calendar: Updated and maintained with critical deadlines and reminders
• Spotlight Topics: These topics reference a wide range of special education aspects, including but not limited to funding, accountability, child find, behavior, and more.
• Timeline Topics: These topics highlight time sensitive items on a yearly and quarterly basis.

OSEP/OCR Policy Letters and Policy Support Documents
OSEP’s policy letters provide written guidance and clarification regarding implementation of the IDEA. OSEP typically issues these letters in response to specific questions raised by parents, educators, representatives of advocacy organizations, state educational agencies, early intervention programs and their providers, and other interested parties. OSEP also issues broader written guidance in the form of memos, Dear Colleague Letters, or frequently asked questions (FAQ) documents, as determined appropriate, based on information gathered through OSEP’s oversight of implementation of the IDEA by state educational agencies and Part C lead agencies, stakeholder-identified needs for clarification of the IDEA’s provisions, and needs identified due to new statutory or regulatory provisions or court cases.

Transition Guides

• A Transition Guide to Postsecondary Education and Employment for Students and Youth with Disabilities

This federal guide, issued by OSERS, the Rehabilitation Services Administration, and the Office of Special Education Programs to advance efforts in ensuring that all students and youth with disabilities are equipped with the skills and knowledge to be engaged in the 21st century workforce.

• Pathways: The Texas Transition & Employment Guide to a Successful Life After High School for Students with Disabilities

This state guide, issued by the Transition Network and TEA, assists students with disabilities and their parents in planning for adult life.

• Texas Foster Care & Student Success Resource Guide

This guide and training manual contains a variety of key research-based topics and calls attention to important matters related to the education of students in foster care, including those receiving special education services. The guide also promotes best practices and contains numerous tips, tools, resources, and links to more information.

Special Education Dispute Resolution Handbook

TEA designed the Special Education Dispute Resolution Handbook to assist parents, school officials, and other interested parties with understanding TEA's special education dispute resolution system. The handbook is not intended to be legal advice. 

Attendance Guidance

• Student Attendance Accounting Handbook
• Guidance about Temporary Absences of Students with Disabilities

• IEE and Independent Contractors