Education service centers (ESCs) provide state leadership for special education related decentralized functions. Each lead ESC is responsible for identifying a contact and coordinating with a 20-region network for their decentralized function. The purpose of the 20-region network is to ensure ongoing communication between ESCs about state-level needs assessments, program planning/implementation, and evaluating statewide activities.

Education Service Center, Region 20 provides statewide leadership in the area of Access to the General Curriculum (AGC). The Access to General Curriculum (AGC) Network develops a framework for statewide collaboration through a comprehensive planning process. Priorities in professional development and technical assistance focus on ensuring that all students with disabilities will gain access to and show progress in the general curriculum through curricular/instructional adaptations in the least restrictive environment.

Standards-Based IEP Free Online Training Module
The Statewide Access to the General Curriculum (AGC) Network, in collaboration with the Texas Education Agency (TEA), has developed a free online training titled, "Standards-Based IEPs Goal Development Online Training 2009-2010." This free training (Workshop #PD100930-A01) is available through the ESC-20 iLearning website. Step-by-step Registration Directions

The training focuses on the portion of the ARD process related to developing a student's Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP) and using the PLAAFP to create enrolled grade level measurable annual academic goals. The training should take approximately 1-1.5 hours to complete, and upon successful completion a certificate will be created. The intended audience is general and special educators who are involved in the ARD/IEP process, but other personnel, including parents, are welcome to participate.