ARTICLE 4
S ecial aucation
( SBs68)
STATEWIDE SYSTEMS & COMPLIANCE
• EFFECTIVE FOR SY 2025-26
Comprehensive Special Education System
Requires TEA to revise the special education system to ensure compliance with all laws and improve student outcomes through:
• Rulemaking, technical assistance, guidance documents, monitoring protocols and data reporting
• Support to ESCs in helping districts identify local resources
• Training for staff serving students with significant behavioral needs
Requires inclusion of students who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind in the comprehensive plan for the education of children with visual impairments
Allows the commissioner to · create a digital IEP form and require district use
Establishes a monitoring system including that includes a comprehensive cyclical and targeted, risk-based review process
TEA may require districts to obtain specialized technical assistance for:
• Documented noncompliance
• If data indicates assistance is needed( incidents of studentcaused injury or high restraint use)
Requires TEA to implement:
• A system of interventions for noncompliant districts
• A system of progressive sanctions, including potential funding reductions
Allows TEA to perform general supervision activities for monitoring special education to ensure compliance with IDEA
Allows TEA to publish a list of recommended evidence-based dyslexia programs
Allows a student receiving special education services to earn a distinguished level of achievement in the foundation high school program
Repealers & Reporting
Repeals:
• 60-day timeline pause for additional parental consent for further testing
• 20-day nonresponse rule as denial of consent
Requires districts to report special education data needed for TEA oversight and funding calculations
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