Special Education

Special Education in Texas

Together, we are committed to high expectations and strong systems that achieve equitable outcomes for every student with a disability.

Special Education Strategic Plan

In early 2018, TEA worked with stakeholders across Texas to develop the Strategic Plan for Special Education in Texas. This plan was informed by more than 7,000 voices and lays out an ambitious set of activities aimed at dramatically improving special education programs in Texas. Click on each circle below to see TEA’s progress in completing the activities laid out in the various areas within the strategic plan.

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Coming Soon: District SPED Leadership Council  

TEA will soon open applications for the District SPED Leadership Council, a statewide advisory group of district special education leaders who help shape special education initiatives before they reach the field. This council brings together practitioners’ on‑the‑ground perspectives to inform policies, programs, and supports that impact students with disabilities across Texas. Stay tuned for application details and consider how your expertise could contribute to this important work.

Explore Our Work

TEA is committed to providing families, students, and schools with high quality supports to enable students with disabilities to achieve the highest outcomes. The links below lead to information and resources provided by TEA toward achieving that goal. 

Executive Report: IEP Form and Digital Platform Landscape Analysis

In 2024, the TEA contracted with the American Institute for Research® (AIR®) to conduct a comprehensive landscape analysis of IEP forms and digital platforms and how they are used across the United States. For this purpose, AIR conducted a study aimed at examining how other states manage their IEP forms and digital platforms, including state-adopted forms and platforms, state-negotiated vendor contracts, and minimum standards for locally procured IEP platforms. This report provides a summary of the findings from the study, including insights into how other states implement and manage IEP forms and digital platforms. 

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