Texas Special Education Rules Are Changing.

Texas parents of students receiving special education services have new updates to keep on their radar this school year.

The Texas Education Agency has released its 2026-27 Special Education Back-to-School Update, outlining rule changes tied to legislation passed by the 89th Texas Legislature.

For families, some of the most important changes involve student evaluations, Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) committees, and parent notification requirements.

The update says evaluation reports must include information about circumstances that could affect testing validity. It also makes changes to ARD committee membership in certain situations, including provisions involving career and technical education and students who are deafblind.

Parents also have new protections when a student’s services are moved to a different location. According to TEA, parents must be notified, and an ARD meeting must be held when that move constitutes a change in educational placement. Parents also have the right to request an ARD meeting if they believe a location change amounts to a change in placement.

Timing matters. While several changes apply during the current school year, others do not take effect until July 1, 2027.

For Benbrook families navigating special education, the update is worth reading before the next evaluation or ARD meeting, particularly to see which changes apply now and which are still ahead.

Read the TEA Special Education Back-to-School Update