Federal law governing the education of students with disabilities requires that they receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). Due to the inclusion of special education students in regular classrooms, educators need to know the requirements of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as well as state laws and policies related to special education.

Helpful Links
STAAR for Special Education Students
U.S. Department of Education IDEA Resources
State Law on Special Education (Texas Education Code, Chapter 29)
State Rules and Regulations on Special Education
Tool Kit on Teaching and Assessing Students with Disabilities
TEA Legal Framework (summary of state and federal special education requirements by topic)

Related CPE Courses
TCTA members may earn up to 1.25 hours of CPE credit for each of the following online CPE courses.
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) 101 ... 102 ... and 103
Response to Intervention: A System of Support for Students and Teachers
Teachers Make it Work: Response to Intervention 

More Information:

Post date
TEA’s final special education plan narrows scope of required school district actions May 9, 2018
TEA draft plan for special education includes TCTA suggestions Mar 29, 2018
TEA clarifies school district special education responsibilities Mar 1, 2018
TEA proposes teacher training as part of its special education fix Feb 2, 2018
Tell TEA how to fix special education problems Feb 2, 2018
Feds warn TEA to fix ongoing special education issues Jan 18, 2018
Inclusion & ARDs for regular education teachers Oct 21, 2017
Restraint of Students With Disabilities Oct 21, 2017
Removal/Change of Placement of Students With Disabilities Oct 21, 2017
Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) Oct 21, 2017
TCTA convinces TEA to change special ed rules Mar 10, 2017
TCTA testimony: TEA rules should ensure teacher involvement in special ed decisions Dec 16, 2016
TEA warns districts not to use RTI to delay special education referrals Nov 18, 2016
Teachers can’t be required to use RTI before referring a student for special education services Sep 15, 2016
Attorney general rules on cameras in special education classrooms Sep 14, 2016

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