Universal Academy is committed to providing a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to all students with disabilities in accordance with state and federal laws.
Description:
The Special Education Information Center (SPEDTex) provides resources and interactive features for increasing family awareness of disabilities and special education processes, with the goal of improving partnerships between schools and families. SPEDTex provides resources to understand your child's disability and rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and to promote collaboration for effective services to children with disabilities in Texas. SPEDTex is committed to providing families and educators with high-quality resources to enable students with disabilities to achieve the highest outcomes.
Contact information:
Phone: 1-855-773-3839
Email: inquire@spedtex.org
SPEDTEX: Special Education Information Center
Click Here To View the Video: What is SPEDTEX?
Office of Special Populations and Student Supports
Department of Special Education:
Email: sped@tea.texas.gov
Department of Review and Support:
Email: ReviewandSupport@tea.texas.gov
Universal Academy Contact Information
Ms. Claire Jones, Special Education Coordinator
claire.jones@universalacademy.com
Irving Campus, 972-255-1800
Coppell Campus and Bartonville Campus, 972-393-5834
Universal Academy provides a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to all eligible students with disabilities in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and guidance from the Texas Education Agency. FAPE ensures that students with disabilities receive individualized services designed to meet their unique needs at no cost to parents.
Click Here: Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
Click Here: Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) Documentation and Compliance
The Parent's Guide to the ARD Process
This guide is designed to give you, as a parent of a child who is or may be eligible for special education services, a better understanding of the special education process and of your procedural rights and responsibilities so that you will be able to fully participate in the decision making process regarding your child's education. SPEDTex makes this resource available in over 30 different languages.
Click the link below to download this resource.
Parent Guides: Choose a language
Texas Special Education Support (Forms and Guidance)
Parent Rights: Notices to Parents
Universal Academy provides parents with required information regarding IDEA, dyslexia, MTSS, Section 504, and parent rights under Texas Education Code §26.0081.
Statements:
SB 139 Notice To Families
In 2019, the 86th Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 139 (SB 139), which requires Texas local education agencies (LEAs) to distribute a notice to parents containing the following information:
- Changes made from 2016 to 2017 in reporting requirements for LEAs regarding special education enrollment in the Performance Based Monitoring Analysis System.
- The rights of a child regarding the provision of special education services under both state and federal law.
- The process and procedures for initiating a referral for evaluation for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and TEC Sec. 29.004.
- Where to find local policies and procedures related to initiating a referral for evaluation under IDEA.
Evaluation and Referral Process
Universal Academy is committed to identifying, locating, and evaluating all students who may have disabilities in accordance with federal law and the Texas Education Agency. Parents or staff may request an evaluation at any time.
Step 1: Referral Review & Notice of Action (15 School Days)
Within 15 school days of a written referral, Universal Academy will:
- Provide Prior Written Notice
- Provide Notice of Procedural Safeguards
- Request written informed consent OR
- Provide written refusal with safeguards
Step 2: Informed Consent
Informed consent ensures parents fully understand the evaluation or services.
Step 3: Full and Individual Initial Evaluation (FIIE)
Once consent is received, a Full and Individual Initial Evaluation (FIIE) will be conducted.
The evaluation will:
- Assess all areas of suspected disability
- Include academic, developmental, and functional data
- Be conducted by trained personnel
- Be administered in the student’s native language
- Be non-discriminaton
Step 4: Evaluation Timeline (45 School Days)
- Completed within 45 school days of consent
- Timeline may extend for absences
- Summer timelines apply per state guidance
Step 5: Evaluation Report
Parents receive a written report explaining:
- Eligibility Determination
- Educational Needs
- Recommendation
Step 6: ARD Committee Meeting (within 30 days)
Within 30 calendar days, an Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meeting will be held.
- At least 5 school days' notice
- ARD Parent Guide
Step 7: Eligibility & IEP Development
- Eligibility is determined
- An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed if eligible
Step 8: Services & Placement
- Parent consent is required for servicies
- Services begin after approval
If Parent Does Not Provide Consent
- The district may pursue mediation or due process
- The district may also choose not to proceed
- Child Find obligations are still maintained
Reevaluation Process
- Occurs at least every 3 years
- May occur sooner if needed
Parent Rights & Safeguards, Parents are guaranteed:
- Procedural Safeguards
- Prior Written Notice
- Participation in meetings
- Access to records
Assurance Statement
Universal Academy ensures :
- All timelines (15-day, 45-day, 30-day) are strictly followed
- All parent notices are documented and provided
- All website information is current and accessible
- All evaluations meet federal and state requirement
Special Education Evaluation Process
Notice of Procedural Safeguards
Parents of students with disabilities are entitled to specific rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These rights are outlined in the Notice of Procedural Safeguards. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), you and your child have legal protections during the evaluation and individualized education program (IEP) process. These protections are called Procedural Safeguards. SPEDTex makes this resource available in over 30 different languages.
Dissemination
IDEA requires that Universal Academy provide the Procedural Safeguards to parents. They must disseminate it once a year and on the following occasions:
- upon initial referral or on request for evaluation;
- upon the first occurrence of the filing of a due process hearing complaint or special education complaint during a school year;
- upon a disciplinary change of placement; or
- upon a request by a parent.
Documentation
Universal Academy must continue to document the provision of Procedural Safeguards in a student’s eligibility folder. Documentation is subject to compliance review through the State’s monitoring system.
Click the link below to download the resources.
Procedure Safeguards-SPEDTex Choose a language
Notice of Procedural Safeguards (English)
Notice of Procedural Safeguards (Spanish)
Partners Resource Network (PRN)
To view the American Sign Language (ASL) version of the Notice of Procedural Safeguards, click here.
The Special Education Information Center provides information related to special education to parents, school personnel, and other members of the public. The contact number is 1-855-773-3839 (1-855-SPEDTEX)
Evaluation Process (FIIE)
Universal Academy conducts a Full Individual and Initial Evaluation (FIIE) to determine eligibility for special education services.
Key Information:
- Parent consent is required prior to evaluation
- Evaluations are completed within 45 school days of receiving consent
- A multidisciplinary team reviews all evaluation data
The Special Education Full and Individual Initial Evaluation (FIIE) Timeline provides an overview of the various timelines for an initial evaluation and ARD committee meetings where eligibility is determined based upon when Universal Academy receives written consent for an FIIE
Special Education Evaluation Process
The TEXAS LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE CHILD-CENTERED SPECIAL EDUCATION PROCESS
The purpose of the project is to provide and maintain an updated web-based platform to assist stakeholders such as local educational agencies (LEAs), advocates, and parents in learning about state and federal laws and regulations by providing rich resources regarding obligations and rights for the provision of a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment to students with disabilities.
Universal Academy board policies and operating procedures of public schools across Texas are linked to The Texas Legal Framework.
Policies and operating procedures can be accessed by entering the LEA name (Universal Academy) or county-district number (057808).
Click Here to view the Legal Framework: Enter the LEA Name or District Number
CHILD FIND
Our CHILD FIND efforts include advertising the availability of services through media, public notices, staff training, community health fairs and letters to private schools, physicians, nursing homes, group homes, and hospitals. We have special services available for eligible infants, children and young adults identified with disabilities. Federal and state laws require that school districts maintain a CHILD FIND system for identifying, locating, and evaluating individuals with suspected disabilities (birth through age 21) within its jurisdiction who are in need of special education and related services. Once a referral is made, the campus follows the Student Support Team (SST) procedures. A full individual evaluation (FIE) is conducted to determine the child’s eligibility and educational need for services.
Click Here: What is Child Find?
How do I make a referral or get more information?
Click Here: To Complete the Universal Academy CHILD FIND Referral Form
Click Here For more information on CHILD FIND
Technical Assistance: Child Find and Evaluation
Student Handbook Statement: English and Spanish (TEA)
TEA is required to provide school districts and charter schools a written statement of the options and requirements for providing assistance to students who have learning difficulties or who need, or may need, special education services (Texas Education Code §26.0081). The statement must explain that a parent may request an evaluation for special education or Section 504 services at any time. Parents must receive the statement in a written format every year. A school may include the statement in the student handbook, or a school may disseminate the statement through other means such as a letter or newsletter to each parent and ensure that each parent receives a copy.
Transition Employment Guide and Postsecondary Planning
Beginning at age 14, students participate in transition planning to support postsecondary goals in education, employment, and independent living.
This guide includes transition services; employment and supported employment services; social security programs; community and long-term services and support; postsecondary educational programs and services; information sharing with health and human services agencies and providers; guardianship, alternatives to guardianship, including a supported decision-making agreement under Chapter 1357, Estates Code; self-advocacy, person-directed planning, and self-determination; and contact information for all relevant state agencies.
The Texas Transition and Employment Guide provides information on statewide services and programs that assist in the transition to life outside the public school system for students enrolled in special education programs and their parents. Use the following links to download your copy of Pathways: The Texas Transition and Employment Guide to a Successful Life After High School for Students with Disabilities.
The Texas Transition & Employment Guide ENGLISH
The Texas Transition & Employment Guide SPANISH
Parent Resources:
Transition Planning Tools (English)
Transition Planning Tools (Spanish)
Animated Videos for Students and Families
- These engaging animated videos can help students with disabilities navigate the Texas Transition and Employment Guide.
- Explore each video to find practical tips to empower students on their journey to adulthood.
Significant Disproportionality State/Federal Activity Updates Disproportionality
Texas has long regarded significant disproportionality (SD) as a critical issue requiring a comprehensive solution to ensure a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE) for every eligible child under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Determinations for whether SD based on race/ethnicity occurs with respect to the identification of children as children with disabilities are made annually and include:
• Identification as children with particular impairments;
• Placement of children in particular educational settings; and
• Incidence, duration, and type of disciplinary actions, including suspensions and expulsions.
Click the link below to download the resource.
Significant Disproportionality State/Federal Activity Updates Disproportionality
Family and Parent Resources:
Overview of Special Education (English)
Overview of Special Education (Spanish)
Technical Assistance: Child Find and Evaluation
Technical Assistance: Individualized Education (IEP) Development
Guidance for the Comprehensive Evaluation of Specific Learning Disabilities
Technical Assistance: Behavior Supports and Guidance for Students with Disabilities (English) and (Spanish)
Delayed or Denied Evaluations and Compensatory Services (English) and (Spanish)
Technical Assistance: Individualized Education Program (IEP) Development
Guidance for the Comprehensive Evaluation of Specific Learning Disabilities
Technical Assistance: Behavior Supports and Guidance for Students with Disabilities ENGLISH
Community Parent Resource Centers
You may contact the Special Education Department at your child's campus.
Ms. Claire Jones, Special Education Coordinator
claire.jones@universalacademy.com
· Universal Academy-Irving, 972-255-1800
· Universal Academy-Coppell,972-393-5834
· Universal Academy-Bartonville,972-393-5068
State Performance Plan (SPP)/Annual Performance Report (APR)
Each year the State reports to the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) on its performance in meeting identified State Performance Plan Indicator (SPPI) targets. This report is called the Part B Annual Performance Report (APR).
Current State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report
FFY 2023 SPP/APR and Determination Letter
Parent Resources and Support
Families may access additional support through the following organizations:
- Partners Resource Network: https://prntexas.org/
- Disability Rights Texas: https://disabilityrightstx.org/
- Technical Assistance: Child Find and Evaluation
Dispute Resolution
Parents have the right to resolve disagreements regarding special education services through:
- Mediation
- Due Process Hearings
- State Complaints
Filing A Special Education Complaint
Parents may file a formal complaint with the Texas Education Agency if they believe a violation of special education law has occurred.
Special education complaints must be filed in writing and must be signed. The complaint must include the violations you believe have occurred and the facts to support the violations. A complaint form is available below in English and Spanish for your use.
In addition, whether you use the complaint form or write your own letter, the law requires you to send a copy of your complaint to the public education agency against which you are filing the complaint.
A video that explains how to file a special education complaint can be found at: Complaints Process Video.
TEA Complaint Process
Submitting Your Special Education Complaint
You must email, mail, or fax your complaint to:
Texas Education Agency
Office of Special Populations and Student Supports
1701 North Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas 78701-1494
Fax (512) 463-9560
The model special education complaint form below is provided by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). You are not required to use the model special education complaint form. Once completed, you must sign the complaint and send it to the public education agency against which you are filing the complaint and to TEA. Special education complaints cannot be filed anonymously.
NOTE: You may request a complaint investigation and mediation at the same time. However, if you request a complaint investigation and a due process hearing on the same issues, your complaint investigation request will remain on hold until the due process hearing has ended.
Special Education Complaint Investigation Form
NOTE: If you are using the online form to file a complaint against a school district or charter school on behalf of multiple students, the system will not automatically send your complaint to the school district or charter school. If you submit a multiple-student complaint using the online form, the completed complaint form will be emailed only to you and to TEA. You must then email your complaint to the school district or charter school.
Also, if you are using the online form to file a complaint and are not finding the campus in the drop-down menu, please try variations of the campus’ spelling such as H S instead of high school.
Special Education Dispute Resolution Handbook
TEA’s Special Education Dispute Resolution Handbook explains how the agency processes special education complaints.
- English: Special Education Dispute Resolution Handbook.
- Spanish: AGENCIA DE EDUCACIÓN DE TEXAS MANUAL DE LOS SISTEMAS PARA RESOLUCIÓN DE CONFLICTOS DE EDUCACIÓN ESPECIAL.
For questions related to special education complaints, please contact the Office of Special Populations and Monitoring at (512) 463-9414.
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