Texas Special Education Allotment
Eligibility
Students with disabilities who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and are served by their district's special education program generate this funding. Texas has over 500,000 students in special education, making this one of the larger funding streams in the Foundation School Program.
- Eligible: All Texas districts serving students with disabilities under IDEA
- Students must have an active IEP
- Funding weight varies by instructional setting (mainstream, resource room, self-contained)
- Automatic funding - no competitive application required
Program Goals
Texas provides weighted per-pupil funding for students receiving special education services. The weight varies based on the instructional setting and intensity of services required. Districts receive this funding automatically through the Foundation School Program based on PEIMS enrollment data.
These funds must support the educational needs of students with disabilities, including instructional materials, assistive technology, and tools that help students access the general curriculum.
Application and Distribution
Special education allotment weights range from 1.1 for students in mainstream settings to significantly higher weights for students requiring more intensive services. The additional funding per student can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars per year depending on the instructional setting.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- micro:bit Classroom Kits — Classroom sets of programmable microcontrollers for hands-on coding and physical computing. Qualifies as K-12 CS hardware; supports standards-aligned programming instruction across grade levels.
- MicroChat — AI-powered classroom learning tool that introduces students to artificial intelligence and machine learning concepts. Qualifies for AI literacy, educational technology, and computer science grant programs.
- Coding for Climate Kit — Hands-on curriculum kit teaching climate science, environmental data collection, and coding-based problem-solving. Aligns with STEM and environmental literacy grants; cross-curricular science and CS integration.
Keep in Mind
Special education funds must connect to student IEPs. Before purchasing, work with special education staff to identify which IEP goals physical computing tools can support - communication, fine motor skills, academic goals, etc.
Physical computing tools work well in co-taught classes where general and special education teachers work together. Students with IEPs participate alongside their peers while receiving appropriate support.
If you plan to purchase tools specifically as assistive technology for named students in an IEP, an AT evaluation may be needed. General instructional tools used program-wide have more flexibility.
When justifying purchases, document how the tools support students with specific disabilities. micro:bit's visual, tactile, and audio outputs make it accessible to students with visual, motor, or processing differences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Texas Special Education Allotment in Texas?
Students with disabilities who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and are served by their district's special education program generate this funding. Texas has over 500,000 students in special education, making this one of the larger funding streams in the Foundation School Program. Eligible: All Texas districts serving students with disabilities under IDEA Students must have an active IEP Funding weight varies by instructional setting (mainstream, resource room, self-contained) Auto
How much funding is available through Texas Special Education Allotment?
Funding varies by cycle and applicant. Check the current program guidelines for up-to-date award amounts.
Can Texas Special Education Allotment funds be used for STEM and coding tools?
Yes. Texas Special Education Allotment funds can support hands-on STEM materials, physical computing kits, and coding curriculum when they align to the program's stated goals. Document alignment to program objectives before purchasing.
Do schools need to apply for Texas Special Education Allotment?
Special education allotment weights range from 1.1 for students in mainstream settings to significantly higher weights for students requiring more intensive services. The additional funding per student can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars per year depending on the instructional setting.
How can Forward Education help with Texas Special Education Allotment funding?
Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for Texas schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes Texas Special Education Allotment funds. Contact us before submitting your application.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents — TEKS, Common Core, and state standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing — classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support — documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence — ready-to-use program outlines
Explore more Texas funding resources
View all Texas AI & CS grants →Download the Forward Education Grant Guide
Our grant guide helps educators find the right funding sources and build strong applications for STEM and coding programs.
Get the Grant Guide
