Phase I of random validations for federal program compliance monitoring ended on Oct 23rd. If you dodged that bullet (yee haw!), take heed — there is another round that begins Nov 28! For charters, this mainly concerns two areas of compliance: the Unsafe School Choice Option (USCO) and the Title I Ed Flex waiver. CSS … Read More
Title I Parent & Family Engagement Policy
Education is a partnership between the school and the home; however, building effective partnerships can be a challenge. Schools must consciously reach out and plan for ways to engage families. For Title I schools, it can be a bigger challenge with parents facing barriers related to poverty. For these reasons, having a comprehensive plan and … Read More
Risk Level Assessment for 2023-24
Low scores don’t usually win, but low is the way to go when it comes to federal risk levels! Federal regulations require TEA to annually evaluate each grant recipient’s risk of noncompliance with the federal statutes, rules, terms, and conditions of their award. To comply with this requirement, TEA conducts a risk assessment of each … Read More
Title I School-Parent Compact
You’ve probably heard the saying “It takes a village to raise a child.” The same is true about educating a child. When schools and parents work together, we see greater student success. Parents and schools agree that we want our students to be successful. One of the ways to help our students achieve academic success … Read More
Title IV Special Data Collection Due Dec 1, 2023
Do you remember last March when the weather was cool? You might also vaguely remember submitting a Title IV report of your measurable goals and objectives for the program. The next phase of the Title IV special reporting is coming up just in time for the holidays! Even if you transfer your Title IV funds … Read More
Title I Comparability of Services
Before the big shift to holiday mode happens, some business must be handled, and we don’t mean picking out your favorite pie! IF your Charter District receives Title I, Part A funds, Comparability reports must be done. This “test” is completed each year to make sure local (FSP) staffing and funds are distributed equally between … Read More
Bilingual/ESL Allotment (PIC 25) and Written Policy and Procedures
A new student enrolls in your charter district indicating another language on the home language survey. What do you do? Do you have the process written down? Bilingual/ESL written policies and procedures are required as part of your annual financial report. Your compliance will be collected by your auditor and on the annual Use of … Read More
SHARS Survey Due Nov 3, 2023 for IDEA-B Recipients
Did you receive IDEA-B funding for SPED last year (2022-23)? If so, your LEA is required to complete the SHARS survey by Nov 3, 2023. SHARS is a program by which districts can receive funding from Medicaid for certain SPED services. Even if you do not have a SHARS program, you must complete the survey if … Read More
Random Validations Begin – Title I, II, IV, and SNS
You could be the lucky winner in the random validation drawing this month! Unfortunately, the prize is sending TEA a bunch of paperwork! TEA will select districts for phase 1 of random validations for Title I, II, and IV. You can rest easy that if you are selected for validation, you do have time and … 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