DEPARTMENT NEWS
A new guidance document for the Student Attendance Accounting Handbook (SAAH) resource is now available on the Texas SPED Support website! This Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) and Prekindergarten (Pre-K) Program Coding Chart: Question and Answer Document provides clarity on program coding requirements and supports accurate reporting. This is a valuable tool for LEAs navigating attendance accounting for young learners with disabilities. This document serves as a guidance tool for personnel determining average daily attendance (ADA) codes and instructional setting codes for preschool-age children receiving ECSE services and should be used in conjunction with the SAAH.
The TIER Behavior Module offers eight structured pathways designed to help educators implement effective behavioral practices within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). These trainings cover everything from foundational positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) strategies to advanced implementation of the Interconnected Systems Framework (ISF).
Want the full overview? Access the Behavior Module Quick Reference Guide for an overview of the trainings offered.
For support or to connect with a certified TIER/MTSS Trainer, visit: sped.support/mtss-trainers.
Are you wondering how to dismiss a student with disabilities from special education or related services? This Q&A document answers that question and much more. It provides guidance and best practices to LEAs regarding the REED and reevaluation processes.
Build inclusive classrooms with Universal Design for Learning (UDL)! Ready to design more accessible learning environments for all students? The UDL Professional Development Series offers five self-paced, online courses that explore the UDL framework in depth. Through real-world scenarios, examples, and collaborative activities, participants will explore sample lessons and gain practical insights into effectively applying UDL strategies. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding and refine your skills in designing environments that promote meaningful access for all students that will spark excitement and curiosity for learning, support tackling challenges with focus and determination, and harness the power of emotions and motivation in learning.
Want to learn with others? The series is also available as a one-day live session at your local ESC.
Whether you participated synchronously or asynchronously, your ESC provides coaching to help you progress with your UDL implementation. Find your statewide contact on Texas SPED Support to find out more about coaching.
The UDL Implementation Guide for Educators in Texas is designed to help teachers and instructional leaders create inclusive learning environments where every student can succeed. Inside, you’ll find practical strategies for integrating UDL into lesson planning, plus side-by-side examples comparing traditional and UDL-enhanced plans. Leaders will discover tools to cultivate a UDL-aligned school culture, support ongoing professional learning, and monitor fidelity. With checklists, rubrics, and administrator supports included, this guide makes it easy to reflect, plan, and lead with all learners in mind.
Check out the guide and start transforming instruction today!
The UDL framework and guidelines 2.2 are available on the TEA website! Explore a comprehensive overview of the UDL guidelines, complete with detailed descriptions and practical examples to support implementation in your classroom or program. Plus, the page includes direct links to valuable UDL resources hosted on Texas SPED Support—making it easier than ever to dive deeper into inclusive, effective teaching strategies.
Click below to access the UDL framework and resources. Don’t miss out—check it out today and empower your learning community!
Encouraging children to read can feel like a big task, but it all starts with a single step: putting a book on their bookshelf and turning that very first page. One page leads to multiple pages, multiple pages lead to a book, and soon, books lead to a lifelong habit of reading!
Need help getting started with resources and strategies to foster a love of reading in your students? Contact your Learning Ally account manager today!
New to Learning Ally and need an account? Get started by enrolling for your free account through the Educator Access Form.
The Autism Circuit Academy (ACA) spring 2026 cohort application opened October 15th and closes December 15th. 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.
The purpose of this grant opportunity is to increase capacity across Texas schools to implement innovative programs that effectively serve students with autism ages 3-21. This grant will be available to Texas school districts and open-enrollment charter schools, with priority given to collaborations across school systems. The application window will open January 2026. Visit the Texas SPED Support Opportunities page for additional information and updates once the grant application is open.
"Welcome to SPEDTalk—where we share stories representing our passion for special education, elevating the conversation, one story at a time."
This is the welcoming message that greets listeners for every episode of the SPEDTalk podcast. Founded in April 2019 by a collaborative group of Special Education Liaisons, SPEDTalk's mission is to celebrate Special Education in Texas and highlight the invaluable work of our local educational agencies (LEAs), communities, teachers, and, most importantly, our students.
Episodes offer something for everyone, featuring a diverse range of stories:
- Inspiring accounts of community events that support special education needs.
- Creative LEA approaches to building successful opportunities for students.
- Encouraging stories designed for parents.
- Highlights of new TEA resources for special education teachers and administrators.
As we celebrate the 100th episode of SPEDTalk, we honor the vision of founders John Bullion and Pam Humphrey. They initially created the podcast as a way for Special Education Liaisons to reach a wider audience with the success stories happening across Texas. One hundred episodes later, their vision thrives with a dedicated team of six Special Education Liaisons who continue to champion our Texas students and educators.
You can find the SPEDTalk podcast on all major podcast services, including Spotify, iHeart, and Apple Podcasts. To hear the 100th episode and browse a full database of all 100 shows, please visit the SPEDTalk website. You are also invited to share your ideas for stories that should be featured on the podcast!
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New Resource on Error Analysis
Errors in student work samples are one type of diagnostic data that educators may use to better understand students’ skill gaps and determine how best to intensify interventions. This new tip sheet created by the National Center on Intensive Intervention (NCSI) provides an overview of how to analyze errors in math.
Academic Progress Monitoring in Intensive Intervention
If you missed NCSI's latest webinar, Academic Progress Monitoring in Intensive Intervention, a recording is now available. The webinar provides an overview of academic progress monitoring and describes its role in supporting students within a multi-tiered system of supports and data-based individualization.
Academic Screening Tools Chart Updated
NCSI's Academic Screening Tools Chart has been updated with new tools. Explore the updated chart to learn more about the technical adequacy and usability of literacy and mathematics screening tools.
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