The Special Education Policy Series for Open-enrollment Charter Schools is now updated and ready for you to download.

Open-enrollment charter schools are required to adopt policies and procedures in compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Chapter 29 of the Texas Education Code. Additionally, the Texas Education Agency requires all schools to provide copies of their special education policies through the Special Education Legal Framework in connection with ESC Region 18.

All 2016 Model Policy subscribers can access the Special Education Policy Series in the Quality Portal. If you are not a 2016 Model Policy Subscriber, members will need to purchase the 2016 Model Policy Subscription in order to access the Special Education Policy Series. As part of the Special Education Policy Series, TCSA has designated which policies must be uploaded for each Legal Framework. Each policy must be reviewed and adopted by the board of directors prior to publishing your policies on the Legal Framework. All schools must update and post their new policies before the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year.

TEA and the Regional ESCs will conduct trainings at each regional ESC to assist schools with uploading the policies to the Legal Framework. Questions specifically about the Legal Framework and ESC Region 18’s website should be directed to Lee Lentz-Edwards and Becky Bilyeu at 432-561-IDEA (4332) or frameworkhelp@esc18.net.

For all inquires regarding the Special Education Policy Series or the Model Policies contact Christine Nishimura, Director of Legal and Policy Services at cnishimura@txcharterschools.org or 512-584-8272 ext. 306.