Technical Assistance: Individualized Education Program (IEP) Development

The Texas Education Agency has developed this document to provide technical assistance to local education agencies and parents. The intention of this document is to provide helpful, general information. It does not constitute legal advice nor is it a substitute for consulting with a licensed attorney. The information should not be relied upon as a comprehensive or definitive response to a specific legal situation. This document may not include a complete rendition of federal law.

“Parent or parents”

Throughout this guide when the term “parent or parents” is used, the term includes the definition aligned to 34 CFR § 300.30. That definition includes biological or adoptive parent, foster parent, guardian, an individual acting in the place of a biological parent with whom the child lives or is legally responsible for the child’s welfare, or a surrogate parent as defined in 34 CFR § 300.519.When "parent" is used throughout this document this may include adult student where appropriate.

“A student identified as emergent bilingual” or “emergent bilingual”

An emergent bilingual student is a student who is in the process of acquiring English and has another language as the primary language. The term emergent bilingual student replaced the term English learner in the Texas Education Code 29, Subchapter B after the September 1, 2021, update. It’s important to note that the term “English learner” is still used in federal regulations and guidance.

Included in the guide are legal citations, informational links to resources, best practice tips, changes/ updates, and more. The following information will help you navigate the technical assistance guides:

Yellow call out boxes	NOTE: “Notes” point out important reminders or considerations.
Blue call out boxes	Best Practice Tips: are highlighted with blue rectangle.
	Informational Links: Links that are in lowercase will take you to a related website, resource, or document that supports the information which you are reading.
	Legal Citation Links: Links that use all capital letters will take you to a legal citation and definition.
	RESOURCES: Various resources are linked within each section. All resources are provided in a categorized list at the end of the guide.