Learning Opportunities
Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) - $1,500 Grant for Parents of Students Served Through Special Education
Over the past 4 years, more than 160,000 students have benefitted from the Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES), previously the Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES) grant, which gives $1,500 online accounts to the families of public-school students served by special education in Texas. Families can use PDSES funds to purchase educational items like books, computers, and/or sensory items, and services like tutoring or therapy for their student. Webinar presentation slides can be accessed here.
(Recorded December 4, 2024)
Special Education Evaluations
Mandy Young, Technical Assistance Manager at the Texas Education Agency joined us for an informative presentation on Special Education Evaluations, designed specifically for parents navigating this complex process. Webinar presentation slides can be accessed here.
(Recorded November 6, 2024)
Special Education Updates with Kristin McGuire
Kristin McGuire, Deputy Associate Commissioner of Special Populations Policy, Integration, and Technical Assistance at the Texas Education Agency will be joining us to discuss recent special education updates and to address various questions often asked by parents of students with disabilities attending public schools. Webinar presentation slides can be accessed here.
(Recorded September 18, 2024)
Please Don’t Hang Up! What Families Need to Know About the Post School Outcomes Survey
Every state is required to collect and report data about what happens to students who were receiving special education services when they exited school. Are former students employed? Are they enrolled in college or some type of higher education program? In Texas, a survey is completed by a contracted vendor one year after exit. If your child graduated or dropped out anytime during school year 2022-23, you may receive a postcard, text message, phone call, or email during the summer of 2024. Watch this session to learn more about the survey, State Performance Plan Indicator (SPPI) 14, and why you or your adult child may be helping to improve special education services statewide by responding to the SPPI 14 survey.
(Recorded May 22, 2024)
Texas Education Agency (TEA) Autism Resources for Families
The Texas SPED Support website hosts technical assistance resources related to special education topics, including autism. Webinar attendees will learn how to navigate Texas SPED Support and explore some of the featured resources related to autism that may be helpful for families.
(Recorded February 28, 2024)
Dispute Resolution in Special Education
Staff from the Texas Education Agency will be presenting on strategies and ideas for how to identify and resolve disputes related to special education at the local level. Additionally, TEA staff will provide an overview of the dispute resolution options available at the state level. Webinar presentation slides can be accessed here.
(Recorded January 31, 2024)
Transition Planning Resources for Families
The Texas SPED Support website hosts technical assistance resources related to special education topics. Did you know that some of these resources may be helpful for students and families in planning for the transition to adulthood? Webinar attendees will learn how to navigate Texas SPED Support and explore some of the featured resources related to transition planning.
(Recorded December 5, 2023)
HB 3928 Dyslexia Q and A with Kristin McGuire
Kristin McGuire, Senior Director of Special Populations Policy, Reporting, and Technical Assistance at the Texas Education Agency, will be joined us for a statewide webinar to discuss House Bill 3928 related to dyslexia evaluation, identification, and instruction.
(Recorded November 6, 2023)
Special Education Updates with Kristin McGuire
Kristin McGuire, Senior Director of Special Education Programs and Policy, Texas Education Agency, joined us for a statewide webinar to discuss parent questions and concerns related to the new school year and special education.
(Recorded September 20, 2023)
Supporting Independence for Your Child With the Next Steps Checklist
The Next Steps to Independence checklist, available on the Texas Transition website, provides a framework to develop skills for self-determination in adulthood for individuals with disabilities. This tool highlights critical developmental milestones organized by age: birth-age 3, age 3-5, elementary school, middle school, high school, and age 18-22. This webinar will review how to use the Next Steps checklist to support your child’s development at any age.
(Recorded April 26, 2023)
Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism Training (TSLAT) Resources for Families
Through the network of 20 regional Education Service Centers (ESCs) and the support of the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism Training (TSLAT) provides access to professional development, technical assistance, and resources related to autism for educators and families. This webinar will review resources available on the TSLAT website that are designed to assist both families and educators of students with autism.
(Recorded February 22, 2023)
Texas Transition Resources for Families: November 30, 2022
The transition from high school to adult life can be an exciting time for students and their families. Planning for this transition can also bring questions and concerns about your child’s future. Families play a very important role in the transition from school to adulthood. This webinar will review resources on the Texas Transition website that are designed to help families participate effectively in the transition planning process.
Special Education Updates w/ Dr. Justin Porter & Kristin McGuire: September 28, 2022
Justin Porter Ed.D., Associate Commissioner, Special Populations Programs and Policy along with special guest, Kristin McGuire, Senior Director, Special Education Programs of the Texas Education Agency discuss parent questions and concerns related to the new school year and special education.
House Bill (HB) 4545 - FAQ for Parents: April 26, 2022
HB 4545 amended state accelerated instruction requirements for Texas students based on the results of their state assessment, STAAR.
New Complaints Process | Dispute Resolution: January 25, 2022
Parents with concerns about special education have processes available to assist them in addressing those concerns. View this Webinar to learn more about the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) new online special education complaint form.
Back-to-School Brain Boosters: August 24, 2021
Explore effective research-based brain booster activities and practices that parents can do at home with their children to help boost areas of the brain needed for social-emotional competencies, behavior regulation, and academic success so they are prepared for the challenges ahead. The information and ideas that will be shared are great for children of all ages and adults too!
Click here for a copy of the presentation slides
10 Tips for Fostering Resiliency in Anxious Children: May 19, 2021
Learn practical tips to help you support resiliency development in your child while creating awareness about how you react and respond.
Pathways to Successful Post-Secondary Schooling: April 20, 2021
In this webinar, crucial skills necessary for post-secondary success for students with disabilities are outlined and resources are shared for both students and their families.
Resolving issues with your Child’s School - Dispute Resolution tips for Parents: March 24, 2021
Tips are provided on special education dispute resolution processes, including what issues State Written Complaints can be used to resolve and what some of those resolutions might look like.
Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES) Q & A: March 4, 2021
Discuss Supplemental Special Education Services, including eligibility and the application process.