It seems strange seeing 2026 in the title, but the New Year is upon us, and we are sure procrastination is not on your New Year’s resolution list! The topic for today is the Title II Special Data Collection that is required if you received Title II funds through the ESSA grant in the 2024-25 … Read More
Title IV Special Data Collection Due December 1, 2025
In the spirit of giving thanks this November, we can appreciate the funding that federal grants provide. While we are thankful for the money to help our students, the paperwork might not put you in the holiday spirit. Not to worry, CSS has compiled all the information on the latest report. Today’s article is about … Read More
ESSA Basic Program Requirements: Fiscal and Program
Federal funds don’t just provide money to your schools. They create programs. By focusing on solid programs, you can add to your school’s repertoire and improve your ability to serve students. But programs funded by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) are regulated by many rules that can seem confusing at times. As a savvy … Read More
Title I Comparability of Services Due Nov 14, 2025
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
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
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