To the Administrator Addressed (TAA) Correspondence

Federal Rescission of CTE Methods of Administration Requirements

About This TAA

Date:
August 27, 2026
Subject:
Federal Rescission of CTE Methods of Administration Requirements
Category:
Methods of Administration Regarding Access to CTE Programs
Division(s):
231- Special Education Monitoring, Review & Support
Next Steps:
Share with appropriate school systems and education service center (ESC) staff.

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The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is providing notice regarding recent actions by the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR), affecting the federal Methods of Administration (MOA) requirements historically associated with Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.

On July 23, 2026, the U.S. Department of Education rescinded the Guidelines for Eliminating Discrimination and Denial of Services on the Basis of Race, Color, National Origin, Sex, and Handicap in Vocational Education Programs and eliminated the associated federal MOA program. As a result, states are no longer required to conduct federally prescribed MOA compliance activities or submit biennial MOA reports to OCR.

While the federal MOA monitoring structure has been discontinued, it is important to emphasize that the rescission does not eliminate or reduce the obligation of school systems and other recipients of federal funds to comply with applicable federal civil rights laws. All entities receiving federal financial assistance remain responsible for ensuring equal access to CTE programs and for complying with federal laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, and age.

Accordingly, school systems must continue to:

  • Ensure that students have equitable access to CTE programs and services as outlined in Perkins V.
  • Comply with all applicable federal civil rights requirements and nondiscrimination statutes.
  • Maintain and implement local policies and procedures that address discrimination complaints.
  • Investigate and resolve complaints in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
  • Provide required public notices regarding nondiscrimination and the availability of complaint procedures, including the prescribed nondiscrimination notice. The required public nondiscrimination notice can be found on TEA’s CTE Perkins webpage.

Although the federal requirement for MOA reviews has been rescinded, families, students, employees, and community members must continue to have access to information regarding nondiscrimination protections and how to file complaints. School systems should ensure that required notices are prominently available through customary communication channels, including district websites, student and employee handbooks, and other appropriate publications.

Individuals who believe they have experienced discrimination or retaliation may continue to file complaints through local procedures and may also submit complaints directly to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights. Information regarding the federal complaint process is available at: https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/civil-rights-laws/file-complaint. 

TEA will continue to provide technical assistance regarding state and federal program requirements and encourages school systems to review local practices to ensure ongoing compliance with applicable civil rights obligations. Additional information on CTE programming and Perkins V is available on TEA’s CTE Perkins webpage.