Texas Amends Special Education Rules for 2026-2027 School Year, Effective October 4, 2026

The Texas Commissioner of Education has implemented several rule amendments for the 2026-2027 school year, impacting special education staff, administrators, and other professionals. Key changes include updated eligibility criteria for Intellectual Disability (ID) allowing for a convergence of evidence, revisions to Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee membership requirements, and new comprehensive documentation requirements for dyslexia and dysgraphia. Additionally, new School Health and Related Services (SHARS) documentation requirements are established, and a 10-school-day timeline for providing finalized Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to parents is mandated. Some provisions will not apply until July 1, 2027.