General Information
Ask a Question about General Parent Rights
Send Comments or Suggestions
Request Information from the TEA
Report Fraud, Waste, and Abuse
Special Education Complaints
GED Testing Irregularities
Examples of Complaints Addressed by Other Agencies
Frequently Asked Questions About TEA Complaints
File a complaint about TEA's service (Compact with Texans)
TEA Equal Educational Opportunity (Non-Discrimination Policy)
Parents needing assistance from TEA may contact the appropriate area below:
- General Education Programs
- Special Education Programs
Filing a complaint about school programs, services, or educators
Local Level Complaint Process
Complaints about school employees, general education programs, including Title I services, are first filed locally and addressed by the school administration. The school board has primary responsibility for ensuring that the school laws are followed. Local complaint policies require individuals to present complaints in writing. A person may request to appeal the superintendent's decision to the school board. It is very important to follow the steps and the timelines required by the district's policies and procedures. School administrators and the superintendent's office can provide copies of the complaint policies and forms.
If a person believes he or she is aggrieved by the actions or decisions of the school board that violate the school laws, the person may appeal the school board's written decision to the commissioner of education. Hearings and Appeals are provided for under Section 7.057 of the Texas Education Code and the person must follow the procedures described in Section 157.1073 of the Texas Administrative Code.
Questions and Assistance
The TEA Office of General Inquiries can answer questions about school programs and services and explain parent rights and responsibilities under Chapter 26 of the Texas Education Code. Spanish speakers are available (se habla español). The U.S. Department of Education website also has helpful Parent Resources.