By Steven Aleman, Education Policy Specialist at DRTx
August in Texas means extremely hot weather and of course, back to school. It also means some changes in how public schools deliver special education services.
The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) and Texas Education Agency (TEA) have several new rules going into effect in the 2024-25 school year related to students with disabilities.
New SBOE rules impacting students with dyslexia and related disorders include:
- School interventions and services to students with dyslexia are considered special education services and therefore these students should qualify under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
- Schools are required to involve school personnel with expertise on dyslexia in the evaluation of a student suspected of dyslexia, and in the planning of services.
- More detailed direction of which school personnel may be considered as having expertise on dyslexia and whether a teaching certificate is required.
New TEA rules related to educating students with disabilities in special education include:
- For students referred and evaluated for special ed services during the summer, the deadline for the ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) committee to have a written IEP (Individual Education Plan) has changed from the first school day of the school year to the 15th
- The eligibility category of “emotional disturbance” was renamed to “emotional disability.”
- The eligibility category of “learning disability” was revised to clarify that students with dyslexia and related disorders fall within this category.
- A more meaningful definition of what annual goals in an IEP should contain and cover was provided.
- The IEP supplement for students with autism was enhanced by adding new elements for ARD committees to consider and address.
- ARD committees are required to start addressing federal transition planning requirements when a student reaches age 14, rather than at age 16.
For more information about issues happening at schools across the state that may impact your child, see our August 2024 Back to School E-Newsletter. And remember that we have several education rights resources on our website including our comprehensive IDEA manual to help you advocate for your student.