The Manual for Parents and Students about Special Education Services in Texas, 2012 is the newest version of what has become known as The IDEA Manual. The 2012 IDEA Manual is an invaluable resource for families trying to understand the Texas special education system and is available in both English and Spanish online here and at Disability Rights Texas websites. The manual can be downloaded and used by anyone.

The manual incorporates Federal and state laws including, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) last reauthorized in 2004, current Federal regulations and current state laws through the 2011 Texas legislative session. The Texas Education Agency will be developing new rules required by laws passed in the 2011 legislative session. We direct readers to the TEA web site, www.tea.state.tx.us/special.ed for the most up to date state rules and TEA Guidance documents.