How intensity tiers and service groups work
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Tiers start with five domains
19 TAC §89.1121(g) names five domains:
- curriculum and instruction supports
- communication supports
- behavioral supports
- independent functioning supports
- personal care/health supports
Each domain is scored, and the scores are added into a composite score.
TEA's tool: four factors per domain
- the type, nature and frequency of services
- whether a specialized provider is needed
- whether a specific staff-to-student ratio is needed
- whether specialized equipment or technology is needed
In TEA's tool design, that makes 20 factor ratings per student, each rated 0–3. The highest factor rating sets the domain's score, so the composite runs 0–15, and TEA's point bands match it to a tier. The four factors mirror what the law tells the commissioner to consider.
The eight tiers
19 TAC §89.1121(g)(3) words them this way:
- Tier 1: students who receive speech therapy as their only instructional service or receive minimal special education services
- Tier 2: low intensity academic or communication supports
- Tier 3: moderate, targeted special education services
- Tier 4: sustained, multi-domain support
- Tier 5: high intensity instructional and/or behavioral support
- Tier 6: very high intensity, complex needs
- Tier 7: pervasive, school-day-dominant support (the rule says this includes public or private day placement)
- Tier 8: residential placement
TEA added overrides in June 2026, for example certain children under 3, and children 3 to 5 served off campus, are assigned Tier 1.
Service groups add on top of the tier
19 TAC §89.1121(i) sets five service groups:
- Service Group 1: related services provided at least 180 minutes and less than 270 minutes per six-week period; special transportation as a related service; and/or parent counseling and training as a related service
- Service Group 2: related services provided at least 270 minutes and less than 540 minutes per six-week period
- Service Group 3: related services provided at least 540 minutes per six-week period
- Service Group 4: 1:1 provider-to-student ratio needed between 50% and 80% of the student's instructional day
- Service Group 5: 1:1 provider-to-student ratio needed over 80% of the student's instructional day
TEA's guidance also places students served at home, in a hospital or medical facility, or another facility not run by the district, by district staff, in Group 4 or 5 depending on weekly hours. Service Groups 1–3 describe the extent of related services. Service Groups 4 and 5 cover a 1:1 ratio for at least half the day, or services at home, in a hospital or at a facility not run by the district. A student is reported for each service group they meet criteria for (19 TAC §89.1121(i)).
The tool
TEA's online Special Education Funding Tool walks through each domain and factor and calculates the tier and service groups. TEA's online tool has no login, so it doesn't keep entries after you exit. Export to Excel before closing. TEA receives nothing from the tool. Enter local IDs, not names. Districts don't have to use it; they can build their own method from TEA's framework.
Sources
- TEA, Texas SPED Support, "Intensity of Services Special Education Funding Model Resources" and FAQ (FAQ items dated Apr 16 to Jun 22, 2026)
- TEA, Special Education page, Intensity of Services Special Education Funding Model section
- TEA, "Related Services for Students with Disabilities: Questions & Answers" (May 2026)
- 19 Texas Administrative Code §89.1121, adoption published in the Texas Register Sept 25, 2026 (51 TexReg 6705; filed Sept 14, 2026), effective Oct 4, 2026 (TEA, 19 TAC Ch. 89 Subch. AA, October 2026 update); Texas Register adopted rules
- Texas Education Code §§48.102, 48.1021, 48.1022 (effective Sept 1, 2026), Texas Legislative Council
- TEA, New Intensity of Services Funding Model (June 2026), tool design with 5 domains × 4 factors
19 TAC §89.1121, adopted 51 TexReg 6705 (Sept. 25, 2026), effective Oct. 4, 2026.
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AI prepares the draft; the educator reviews, edits and confirms it. Every draft cites its source.
Demos use made-up students. Please don't send student information.