Instructional Settings

Per federal regulations,  each  LEA  must ensure that a continuum of alternative placements is available to meet the needs of students with disabilities for special education and related services (34 CFR §300.115 (a)). Federal regulations require this continuum to include instruction in regular classes, special classes, special schools, home instruction, and instruction in hospitals and institutions (34 CFR §300.115 (b); 34 CFR §300.39 (a)(1)(i)). Additionally, each local education agency must make provisions for supplementary aids and services, such as resource room or itinerant instruction, to be provided in conjunction with regular class placement (34CFR §300.115 (b)(2)). In Texas, available instructional arrangements/settings include (19 TAC 89.63(c), (f)): 

• Mainstream;  

• Homebound;  

• Hospital class;  

• Speech therapy;  

• Resource room or services;  

• Self-contained (mild, moderate, or severe) regular campus;  

• Off-home campus; 

• Nonpublic day school;  

• Vocational adjustment class/program;  

• Residential care and treatment facility; and  

• State-supported living center. 

While local education agencies do not have to have all placements available at all times, the placements have to be available when an ARD committee determines it is appropriate to a student's individual needs.   This placement must be specified in the student’s IEP (19 TAC §89.1075 (e)).  Additionally, the IEP must document the necessary supplementary aids and services the child needs in the setting. 

NOTE: ILTEXAS does not have all available placements. Students who require placements and services not available at any ILTEXAS campus have access to those placements and services at their public ISD campus of residence.