"Changing the World One Student at a Time"
Grand Saline ISD Federal & Special Programs

Mrs. Debby Morse, Assistant Superintendent 
dmorse@grandsalineisd.net
(903)962-7546 ext 103

Federal programs offered at GSISD serve a wide range of special population students. Students must meet certain criteria to receive services from Title programs. Extra assistance in instruction is offered for students identified as the most at risk. Eligible students receive additional assistance from Title I teachers. These services are provided in addition to the regular classroom. 
 
Special programs are designed to support the special and differing needs of all students. The following programs are available: Early Childhood, Migrant Education, English as a Second Language, Dyslexia, Gifted and Talented, Compensatory Education, 504, Career and Technology Education, and Federal Title Programs.

 

Federal Grant Administrative Procedures

General Guidelines
GSISD is responsible for the efficient and effective administration of Federal awards through the application of sound management practices and assumes responsibility for administering Federal funds in a manner consistent with underlying agreements, program objectives, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award.  Furthermore, in recognition of its own unique combination of staff, facilities, and experience, GSISD has the primary responsibility for employing whatever form of sound organization and management techniques may be necessary in order to assure proper and efficient administration of the Federal award.  The accounting practices of GSISD are consistent with the cost principles and support the accumulation of costs as required by the principles, and provide for adequate documentation to support costs charged to Federal awards. GSISD does not earn or keep any profit resulting from Federal financial assistance, unless explicitly authorized by the terms and conditions of the Federal award.

Grants management procedures are used for the financial and regulatory administration of all state and federal financial assistance to the district.  Overall responsibility for submitting proposals and for executing and submitting awards rests with the Superintendent.  The guidelines establish lines of authority within the district related to financial transactions on government assistance received.

General information provided in this document is based on multiple sources.  For more specific information, consult the grant application and regulations and 2 CFR 200—Part E for federal cost principles.  All applicable GSISD Policies and Procedures and Administrative Guidelines and Purchasing Procedures are to be followed for expenditures.

In instances where state or local policies are more stringent and limiting than federal guidelines, GSISD will adhere to the more restrictive requirements.

GSISD Administrative Procedures Manual


  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights law designed to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination for reasons related to their disabilities. The Section 504 regulations require a school district, receiving Federal financial assistance, to provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to eligible students. The FAPE must meet the students individual educational needs as adequately as the needs of non-disabled students.

Press the enter key or spacebar to expand or collapse the accordion

  • Gifted and Talented programs are required in all public school districts. Information about program requirements can be found in the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted and Talented Students.

    Texas Definition of Gifted and Talented “…gifted and talented students” means a child or youth who performs at or shows the potential for performing at a remarkably high level of accomplishment when compared to others of the same age, experience, or environment and who:

    Exhibit high performance capability in an intellectual, creative, or artistic area 
    Possess an unusual capacity for leadership 
    Excels in a specific academic field"

    Gifted/Talented Manual  /upload/page/0121/GT Plan presented to board.pdf

    Gifted/Talented PowerPoint /upload/page/0121/GT Plan PP.pptx

Press the enter key or spacebar to expand or collapse the accordion

  • Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability. Dyslexia refers to a cluster of symptoms, which result in people having difficulties with specific language skills, particularly reading. Students with dyslexia usually experience difficulties with other language skills such as spelling, writing, and pronouncing words. Dyslexia affects individuals throughout their lives; however, its impact can change at different stages in a person’s life. It is referred to as a learning disability because dyslexia can make it very difficult for a student to succeed academically in the typical instructional environment, and in its more severe forms, will qualify a student for special education, special accommodations, or extra support services.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who do I talk to regarding my concerns about my student possibly having dyslexia?

    It is recommended that you first contact your student's teacher to discuss your concerns related to your child's progress in reading. After talking to your student's teacher, you may wish to express your concerns to your school administration.

    What is the process for a dyslexia assessment?

    In Texas, evaluations for dyslexia and dysgraphia have moved to a single pathway for identification under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  This means that anytime the Local Education Agency (LEA) suspects that a student has dyslexia or a related disorder and may need intervention services, the LEA must seek parental consent for a Full Individual Initial Evaluation (FIIE) under the IDEA.  The process of seeking informed parental consent under IDEA must include proper prior written notice and be accompanied by the notice of procedural safeguards.  It is critical that parents and guardians are informed of the procedural protections and rights afforded to them and their child under the IDEA. 

    This answer does not necessarily apply to students covered by IDEA. If a student is covered by IDEA, the placement decision would be made by the student’s admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee, which might include members of the committee of knowledgeable persons previously described for students with dyslexia. The guidelines and procedures adopted have been designed to correlate to the identification and instruction of students with dyslexia and related disorders adopted by the State Board of Education, mandated by the state of Texas, and presented in 2024 Dyslexia Handbook (texas.gov) . This document is intended to provide districts with guidelines for developing written procedures and has been a consistent resource in the development of the GSISD’s dyslexia intervention. GSISD is committed to supporting all students to promote their academic success. Dyslexia support services are provided at all grade levels.

    Resources

    2024 Dyslexia Handbook (texas.gov)

    Manual de Dislexia Actualización 2024

    Dyslexia-Dysgraphia Program Guide

    ACCESSIBLE BOOKS FOR QUALIFYING STUDENTS WITH VISUAL, PHYSICAL, OR READING DIFFICULTIES

    Accessible Books for Texas is a Benetech project funded by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) that provides on-the-ground training and support to Texas public K-12 educators, parents, and students on accessible instructional materials (AIM). Bookshare is Benetech's accessible online library which has over 500,000 titles available to individuals with print disabilities.  Visit the Bookshare website for more information at: https://www.bookshare.org/cms

    Learning Ally has 80,000 + human-narrated audio books available to individuals with print disabilities. The materials can be delivered through internet downloads and accessed using various mainstream and assistive technology devices. Through a contract with TEA, Learning Ally offers free memberships to Texas K-12 public and charter schools with qualifying students. Visit the Learning Ally website for more information: https://learningally.org SB 2075 requires school districts to notify parents of the Talking Book Program. The Talking Book Program (TBP) provides free library services to qualifying Texans with visual, physical, or reading disabilities. TBP is part of the National Library Service to the Blind and Print Disabled, a program administered by the Library of Congress. The TBP collection consists of more than 100,000 titles, including hundreds of titles in Spanish, and some in French, German, Russian, and other languages. https://www.tsl.texas.gov/tbp/index.html

    Dyslexia Specialists: Tammy Barber: tbarber@grandsalineisd.net Gina Holland: gholland@grandsalineisd.net Keely Chamberlin: kchamberlin@grandsalineisd.net

    Region 7 Contact: Angela Venters: aventers@esc7.net

    State Dyslexia Helpline # 1-800-232-3030   TEA Dyslexia Webpage link - tea.texas.gov/academics/special-student-populations/dyslexia-and-related-disorders

    Information for Parents

    Child Find

    A child is eligible for Special Education services if he/she demonstrates difficulties in the areas of language/speech, hearing, vision, cognitive/mental, motor/physical development, behavior, or self help. These services are available to all eligible individuals from birth through 21 years of age at no cost to the family regardless the severity of their disability. Please contact Kim McVey at 903-962-5515 ext 403.

Press the enter key or spacebar to expand or collapse the accordion

  • English Language Learners can achieve success in learning when they are provided adequate support and instruction. The goal of the ESL program is to provide research-based professional staff development and support through technical assistance as required by state and federal mandates.


    Parent Resources

    GSISD Bilingual and ESL Program Guide

    LPAC – Language Proficiency Assessment Committee

    ELPS – English Language Proficiency Standards

Press the enter key or spacebar to expand or collapse the accordion

Press the enter key or spacebar to expand or collapse the accordion

Press the enter key or spacebar to expand or collapse the accordion

  • The purpose of the Migrant Education Program is to support programs that help migrant students overcome the challenges of mobility, cultural and language barriers, social isolation, and other difficulties associated with a migratory lifestyle. These efforts are aimed at helping migrant students succeed in school and successfully transition to postsecondary education or employment.

Press the enter key or spacebar to expand or collapse the accordion