Welcome to our web site!
Partners Resource Network (PRN) is a non-profit agency that operates the statewide network of federally funded Parent Training and Information Centers (PTI's) in Texas. The PTI Projects are: PATH, PEN, and TEAM.
The programs and services of PRN are based on the concept of parents helping parents. Our mission is to empower parents of children and youth with disabilities in their roles as parents, decision makers, and advocates for their children and to promote partnerships among parents and professionals.
Our web site is designed to provide timely information and to link the visitor with other resources in Texas and the nation. Our goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of infants, toddlers, children and young adults with disabilities and their families who live in the great State of Texas.
What's New
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Fact Sheet
The Rural Institute at the University of Montana has developed a fact sheet that parents and transition-age students can use at Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings to help determine if the student is eligible for SSI Plans for Achieving Self Support (PASS) plans. http://ruralinstitute.umt.edu/training/publications/fact_sheets/student_eligibility.asp
National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day
National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day will take place on May 6, 2010. One activity will be “Art Action” celebrating the theme “My Feelings Are a Work of Art.” Visit http://www.arttherapy.org/chmad.asp to learn more about how teachers, care providers, parents, and others can engage young children in art activities that encourage them to talk about having and expressing feelings.
New SpecialQuest Preschool Inclusion Series
SpecialQuest Birth–Five has released new materials supporting high quality inclusion of preschoolers (ages 3 to 5) in early care and education settings. The new Preschool Inclusion Series highlights children with disabilities participating in inclusive environments. Classroom staff, administrators, specialists, and families share their perspectives on what makes inclusion work. The new Preschool Inclusion Series contains four video programs with training scripts, and handouts and is available in English and Spanish http://76.249.171.46/specialquest/trainingmaterials/preschool_series.lasso
U.S. Department of Education Makes Public State-by-State Restraint & Seclusion Information
The U.S. Department of Education has released a summary of state laws, regulations, policies and guidelines regarding the use of restraint and seclusion techniques in schools. This state-by-state summary is a result of U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan's letter issued to Chief State School Officers on July 31, 2009, urging a review of current state policies and guidelines regarding the use of restraint and seclusion in schools. The document can be viewed at: http://www2.ed.gov/policy/seclusion/summary-by-state.pdf
STAAR to Replace TAKS
Commissioner of Education Robert Scott announced that the next generation of student tests will be called the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness or STAAR. Full article >
Community of Practice in Autism
NASDSE’s IDEA Partnership Project has begun a national Community of Practice in Autism. To learn more about this community, visit the Partnership’s website at www.ideapartnership.org.
Principals Group Releases IDEA Recommendations
The National Association of Secondary School Principals released a set of recommendations for how lawmakers should change the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act when it's up for reauthorization in 2010.
Read full article >
2009-10 Texas Education Service Centers (ESC) Public Input and Information Meetings
We have added the revised schedule of ESC Public Input and Information Meetings for 2009-10 to our Calendar of Events. You can also download and print the complete schedule here.
2009-10 TEA Supplemental Educational Services (SES) Parent Notification Letters Released
Districts with campuses in Title I, Part A School Improvement Stage 2 and above must notify parents of eligible students about the SES option. SES parent notification letters (PNLs) must be disseminated to parents of eligible students on or before Monday, August 24, 2009. The state-required PNL and instructions were released on August 5, 2009 on the TEA’s Division of NCLB Program Coordination’s website. Full article >
Free Summary of the 81st Texas Legislature: Bills Related to Education
Walsh, Anderson, Brown, Aldridge & Gallegos, P.C. have compiled a great tool for anyone following the legal changes in Texas education. Download the 81st Texas Legislature: Bills Related to Education
Texas Determination Status
The Texas Education Agency has received their letter regarding Determination status from the federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). Detailed information on the process and results, including the letter and an explanation may be found here.The letter designates the level of compliance with the state plan and federal law, and the Explanation Document lays out the criteria. The designation for Texas for this year is Needs Assistance.
This is the third year OSEP has issued a Determination status for states. Levels of Determination status are:
- Meets Requirements
- Needs Assistance
- Needs Intervention
- Needs Substantial Intervention
Texas’ history on Determination status is:
- 2007- Needs Assistance
- 2008- Needs Intervention
- 2009- Needs Assistance
