The Texas Education Agency (TEA): Local Educational Agencies (LEAs)

Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) are public boards of education or other public authorities within states that are responsible for the control and supervision of public elementary and secondary schools. These agencies operate at the local level, typically corresponding to a city, county, township, or school district.

Here are the primary roles and responsibilities of LEAs:

1. Educational Services: LEAs are responsible for providing educational services in their designated areas. They ensure that schools adhere to state educational standards and federal regulations, such as those stipulated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

2. Special Education: They ensure that schools comply with laws providing for special education services, including the development and execution of Individualized Education Programs (IEP) for students with disabilities.

3. Policy Implementation: LEAs are responsible for implementing and ensuring compliance with both IDEA and Section 504. This includes developing policies and procedures that guide the identification, evaluation, and accommodation of students under both frameworks.

4. Monitoring and Accountability: LEAs monitor the effectiveness and compliance of schools with the requirements of both IDEA and Section 504. This involves ensuring that schools are following the law in creating and implementing IEPs and 504 plans and that they are regularly reviewed and adjusted as needed.

5. Staffing: LEAs are responsible for ensuring that staff, including teachers, counselors, and administrators, are adequately trained and informed about the legal requirements and practical implementation of both IEPs and 504 plans. Training may cover how to identify students who may benefit from services, how to develop and implement effective plans, and how to monitor student progress.

6. Community Engagement: LEAs engage with parents and guardians in the development and review of both IEPs and 504 plans, ensuring that they are part of the decision-making process. Effective communication and collaboration with families are crucial in both frameworks to tailor educational strategies that best meet the individual needs of students.

LEAs play a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape at the local level, directly impacting the quality of education and services provided to students in public schools.

For more on this subject ... https://tea.texas.gov/academics/instructional-materials/local-educational-agencies-leas

NOTE: Although Section 504 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) serve different groups of students, both fall under the umbrella of services that LEAs must manage to support students with disabilities. Under Section 504, LEAs are responsible for providing accommodations and modifications to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities. This includes adjustments in the learning environment and the provision of aids and services that are not typically covered under IDEA.