Students enrolled in Texas schools speak more than 120 different languages. Consequently, a growing number of Texas students need help with English language acquisition. Bilingual education and English as a Second Language classes are available for these students. Others programs that focus on particular student needs are early childhood education, dyslexia and Section 504 training, and gifted and talented education. Specialized programs are also available to meet the needs of migrant students and children in foster care.

Find links to more information on these topics below.

Special Education

Educators need to know the requirements of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as well as related state laws and policies..

Understanding IDEA and individual education plans (IEPs)

Inclusion and admission, review and dismissal committees

Discipline under IDEA

Emerging Bilingual Populations

TEA designed the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) and TELPAS Alternate to assess the progress that limited English proficient student make in learning the English language.

See Student Accountability & Assessment

TEA's TELPAS resources

TELPAS and TELPAS Alternate educator guide