Fall is in the air, and the holidays are quickly approaching, but before you get to leave and have your turkey and pumpkin pie, the annual “Comparability testing” for Title I must be done. This “test” is completed each year to make sure local (FSP) staffing and funds are distributed (budgeted) equally between Title I … Read More
FY2025 Annual Financial Report Submission and Audit Application Transition
The Audit application used to submit and upload annual audit financial information in TEAL is being updated by TEA, now called “Audit 2.0.” IMPORTANT: The November 27, 2025, submission deadline for FY 2025 annual financial reports will not apply to entities with a June 30 fiscal year-end for this year’s submission only. The current revised submission deadline … Read More
Bilingual/ESL Allotment (PIC 25) and Written Policy and Procedures
Your new student has a language other than English on their home language survey – what do you do? Having written Bilingual/ESL policies and procedures is a requirement for your annual financial report. Your compliance will be collected by your auditor and on the annual J4 Use of Funds Report for state funding allotments (PIC … Read More
SHARS Survey Due Oct 31, 2025 for IDEA-B Recipients
Doing a SHARS (School Health and Related Services) survey probably wasn’t on your list of Halloween fun, but don’t worry! It is quick and easy for most, and you can do it early. If you received IDEA-B funding in 2024-25, then your LEA is required to complete the SHARS survey by October 31, 2025. SHARS is … Read More
Random Validations Begin – Title I, II, and IV
This October may bring more a trick than a treat if you are selected for program monitoring validations on your ESSA-funded programs! The good news is that if you are picked, you will have until almost Christmas to submit the paperwork. If you weren’t selected last year and aren’t selected this year, you can bet … Read More
AI Is Here: Is Your Staff Handbook Ready?
Why it Matters Generative AI is showing up everywhere, from lesson planning to grading helpers, and staff are using tools like ChatGPT and Copilot whether schools are ready or not. To protect student data, support innovation, and stay compliant with FERPA and Texas Education Code, now is the time to add an AI section to … Read More
Special Education Teacher Certification
Filling vacancies in teaching positions could be a challenge, especially when it comes to special education. When it comes to certification, charter schools must go by their approved charter EXCEPT when it comes to ESL and Special Education teachers. SPED and ESL teachers must be certified in all charters, so obtaining permits while teachers are … Read More
School Improvement Ratings, Funding, and LASO Grant Cycle 4
What is the latest on federal funding for school improvement? The list of schools in need of improvement under the federal system was released on August 14, 2025. Similar to LASO 3 last year, funding for schools identified for improvement will become part of the LASO Cycle 4 grant. As usual, intervention activities and written … Read More
Completing the 2024-25 ESSA Compliance Report
CSS is redistributing the compliance report tip as a friendly reminder that it is due September 30, 2025! The prior year is not truly complete in the federal world until compliance reporting is complete. The back-to-school rush is at hand, but annual compliance reporting for Title funds is upon us! With a due date of … Read More
2023 State Report Card Dissemination
Be ready this year with an influx of report card distributions. Due to the 2022-23 and 2023-24 state accountability ratings being released late after a drawn-out court challenge, the state report cards (SRCs) are just now being released by TEA. In the prior two years, the FEDERAL report cards were still distributed, but the State … Read More