State Waivers for Districts and Charter Schools

Districts and charters may request state waivers to meet local needs. Learn about waiver categories, types, and how to apply.

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Contact Information

Bilingual Education Exception/ESL Waivers
(512) 463-9414
SPM@tea.texas.gov 

Certification Waivers
(512) 936-8400 (option 2)
Educator Certification and CPE Help Desk

Test-Limit Waivers
General Information
Phone: (512) 463-9039
Educator Testing and Preparation Programs Help Desk

All Other State Waivers
(512) 463-9630
waivers@tea.texas.gov

Waiver Categories and Types

Waiver requests from school districts and charter schools are grouped into the categories below based on the type of request and level of information required.

Expedited Waivers

For requests that require limited information and can be processed quickly.

Expedited waiver types include:

  • Foreign Exchange Student (Request 5 or more)
  • Modified Schedule State Assessment Testing Days 
  • Staff Development 
  • Teacher Portal for the Texas Assessment Program Data 

Learn More About Expedited Waivers

General Waivers

For requests that require detailed information and justification.

General waiver types include:

  • Accelerated Instruction 
  • Bilingual Education Exception and English as a Second Language (ESL) 
  • Certification for Superintendent/Teacher/Other than Classroom Teacher 
  • Course Requirement 
  • Course Requirement Career and Technical Education (CTE) 
  • Pregnancy Related Services On-Campus (CEHI) 
  • Remote Conferencing Instruction/Remote Homebound Instruction 
  • School Safety 
  • Other 

Learn More About General Waivers

Attendance Waivers

For missed instructional time or reduced attendance due to specific circumstances related to weather, health, or safety issues.

Attendance waiver types include:

  • Additional Days School Year (ADSY) 
  • Low Attendance Days
  • Missed School Days

Learn More About Attendance Waivers

Maximum Class Size Exception

Required when class size limits of 22 students are exceeded in grades PK-4.

An exception is granted for a single school year and expires at the end of that year.

Learn More About the Maximum Class Size Exception Waiver

How to Submit a Waiver Request

A district may submit a waiver request using the waivers application located in the Texas Education Agency Login (TEAL) system. 

Access TEAL: Existing Users Request a TEAL Account

2026-2027 Applications

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Waiver Type Available in TEAL
General and Expedited July 7, 2026
Attendance August 1, 2026
Bilingual Education exception/English as a Second Language (ESL) To be determined
Class Size To be determined
Accelerated Instruction To be determined

Notes:

  • Once a new waiver year opens, the prior school year waiver application will no longer be available.

Resources

  • State Waivers Guidebook

    The 2025–2026 State Waivers Guidebook provides information for districts and charter schools on available waivers, associated requirements, agency policies, and related resources.

  • FAQs for District or Charter School Personnel

    This FAQ explains how school districts and charter schools apply for state waivers, including required approvals, application steps, and limits on waiver use. It also answers common process questions, such as access to the TEAL system, documentation requirements, and timelines.

  • Waivers Online Report

    The Waivers Online Report displays the status of waiver requests.

  • FAQs for Individuals

    This FAQ explains how individuals can access information about district and campus waivers, including how to view waiver status, timelines, and class size exception requirements. It also explains that individuals cannot request certification waivers themselves—these must be requested by a school district.

  • State Waiver Authority and Oversight

    Texas Education Code §7.056 governs state waivers and exemptions, including the authority, requirements, and limitations for approval.

Important Updates for Districts

View recent and past communications from the State Waivers Unit.