Strengthening Special Education Across Texas
Grant-funded Initiatives Aim to Impact Classrooms and Leadership
Two faculty members from our Department of Educational Psychology look to expand how Texas schools support students with disabilities by training both educators and school leaders to create stronger learning environments.
Dr. Sarah Nagro is leading Project VERIFY, funded by the U.S. Department of Education and designed to provide principals and administrators with tools, coaching and training to better support special education programs. Nagro and partners at the University of Virginia look to roll out and implement these tools across the state over the next two years. “The hope is that by increasing the skills and confidence of school leaders, we can improve teacher effectiveness and ultimately enhance educational outcomes for students with disabilities,” she explains.
Dr. Julie Thompson leads Project R-TAPP, which is funded by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and aims to prepare rural Texas teachers to work more effectively with students with autism spectrum disorder. The two-year project aims to build on a previous effort that trained over 1,000 educators and trained close to 6,000 students with autism across 92 districts and charter schools in Texas. Drs. Laci Watkins and Erinn Whiteside are also involved in this project, which is expected to be completed in March 2026.
Nagro and Thompson’s efforts reflect our commitment to improving special education at every level and ensuring both teachers and leaders have the knowledge and support to help all students.
Recent Posts
Dr. Hajovsky Elected Fellow in the American Psychological Association
Dr. Daniel Hajovsky has been elected one of the newest Fellows in the American Psychological Association.
The Power of Play in Early Childhood
The Texas A&M Institute for Early Childhood Development & Education shares why play is essential to early childhood development, and how parents can boost its benefits.
Strengthening Special Education Across Texas
Elementary schools and the College of Education and Human Development are improving identification of language and reading disorders in bilingual students as early as kindergarten.
Helping Every Student Thrive
Elementary schools and the College of Education and Human Development are improving identification of language and reading disorders in bilingual students as early as kindergarten.
Storytelling to Understand Emotions
The Texas A&M Institute for Early Childhood Development & Education shares how you can turn story time into a powerful tool for your child’s growth.
Creating Opportunity Through Teamwork
Texas A&M partners with Every Kid Sports to expand youth sport access through after-school programs and scholarships.
Horses Bring Hope to Parkinson’s Patients
Dr. Deanna Kennedy leads innovative research to answer if equine-assisted therapy, could help those battling Parkinson’s disease.
Your Little Explorer is a Scientist Too
The Texas A&M Institute for Early Childhood Development & Education shares fun science and literacy activities for you and your child.
Elevating Research: Assistant Professor Joins Prestigious Advisory Council
Dr. Ananya Tiwari looks to promote educational psychology research as a new member of Springer Nature’s U.S. Research Advisory Council.
Unlocking the Power of Sport Data
The new Collaborative for Sport Data Science seeks to advance student research and connect experts from across the country and beyond.
