{Texas Effectiveness Study Logo} Texas Effectiveness Study a decentralized technical assistance project of the Texas Education Agency

Project Coordinator, Kathy Albers E-Mail: kalbers@esc11.net Phone: (817) 740-7587

Texas Effectiveness Study The Texas Effectiveness Study (Special Education Effectiveness Study) dates back to 1990 when the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) first mandated transition planning. At that time Texas implemented a series of studies to determine the overall effectiveness of special education, specifically transition planning, in preparing students with disabilities with the knowledge, skills, and services/linkages to successfully leave high school prepared to meet the challenges of adult life. The original project was coordinated by the Texas Education Agency in Austin, Texas from 1990 to 1996.

Decentralized to the Education Service Center Region XI In 1995 the Texas legislature decentralized a number of specific technical assistance functions and projects from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to regional education service centers in accordance with Rider 44 of Article III of the General Appropriations Act. The Texas Effectiveness Study was one of the projects decentralized to a regional education service center. The Education Service Center Region XI, located in Fort Worth, was identified to continue work on this project.

Purpose of the Texas Effectiveness Study The purpose of the Texas Effectiveness Study decentralized project is to provide a clear measure of post-school results of youth with disabilities as they transition from high school to adult life. The collection of data through the study is intended to assist with decisions made at the state and local level necessary to improve policy and practices leading to successful post-school outcomes for students served under IDEA. Information from the Texas Effectiveness Study is used with the state’s continuous improvement process (TCIP) and as part of federal reporting requirements included in the State Performance Plan (SPP)/Annual Performance Report (APR). The decentralized functions and projects along with TCIP improvement groups are in alignment with indicators found in the State Performance Plan (SPP)/Annual Performance Report (APR). The emphasis for continuous improvement at the state and local level is placed on “improved results for students.” For more information on the TCIP process in Texas go to the Texas Continuous Improvement Process (TCIP) website.