ÈËÆÞÓÕ»ó

The Office of General Inquiry provides general information relating to the ÈËÆÞÓÕ»ó and Public Schools. General Inquiry is also responsible for providing support to charter schools and public school districts, educators, administrators, school board members, parents, and agency staff.Ìý

It is also important to note that ÈËÆÞÓÕ»ó has jurisdiction over public school districts and charter schools and not other educational or child entities such as private schools, daycares, and universities.

Other Educational & Childcare Entities

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Office of General Inquiry

The Office of General Inquiry provides general information and resources on matters related to the rights and responsibilities of parents underÌýÌý(TEC). Parents with concerns about a school should initially address their concern with the appropriate school district administrator.Ìý

Under the rights of parents described in , school districts provide a process for parents or members of the public to present a complaint (which is typically done through the district's written local grievance process.)ÌýBefore bringing any question regarding school policy or a specific decision affecting a student to the attention of the ÈËÆÞÓÕ»ó, the issue should be presented to the responsible parties in this order:

1. Teachers
2. School or campus principal
3. Superintendent of schools
4. Local board of trustees
5. The ÈËÆÞÓÕ»ó

If you have followed the written local grievance policy and procedures in presenting your concerns and still feel that the school has violated the school laws of Texas, you may appeal the local board of trustees' decision to the Commissioner of Education (which you can find more information about here.)ÌýHowever, if the school entity did not follow its own grievance policy and procedures, you can click the tile titled "ÈËÆÞÓÕ»ó Complaints."

Please consider your inquiry and select the tile that most accurately represents your question and/or concern. Note that the last tile on the bottom right (Need Help?) will link you to the contact information for the General Inquiries Unit, where you can send an email or leave a voicemail for a staff member to process.

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Special Education Complaints

Parents of special education students with concerns about special education rights can file their complaints directly with the ÈËÆÞÓÕ»ó. Please refer to the Division of Special Education's Dispute Resolution Process.

These parents also have additional rights and procedural safeguards under the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). For more information, please contact the Division of Special Education at (512) 463-9414.

Texas School Laws and Rules

TexasÌýschools and their employees are governed by laws and rules found in the Texas Education Code and the Texas Administrative Code.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitative Act of 1973

ForÌý, see the district’s Section 504 Coordinator. Discrimination complaints are under the jurisdiction and authority ofÌý. OCR enforces several Federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance from the Department of Education.

For assistance related to civil rights, you may visit theÌýOCR ContactÌýheadquarters office in Washington D.C. or the OCR enforcement office serving your state or territory. For further information, please contact:

Office for Civil Rights Dallas Regional OfficeÌý
Phone: 214-661-9600Ìý
Toll Free: 1-800-421-3481Ìý
Fax: 214-661-9587Ìý
·¡³¾²¹¾±±ô: OCR.Dallas@ed.govÌý